A Journey From Bengal To England

Roimj OF Mr. I’oRvSTKII

, flfidia lOtDONC} ^0

JPB'TKEJS Jll rRlJ,

t ih i/u>ihtr,f

i8«>3 »ad[ i8oj .

FEOM

BENGAL TO ENGLAND,

TOEO^GE THE

, NOEIWEEN PABT OF INDIA,

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

EARL CORNWALLl%

KNIGHT or THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTERi
ONE OF HIS BRITANNICK MAJESTY’S HONOURABLE PRI-
VY COUNCIL; LIEUTENANT-GENERAL OF HIS MAJESTY’S
FORCES; GOVERNOR-GENERAL AND COMMANDER-IN-
CHIEF OF ALL THE POSSESSIONS AND FORCES OF HIS
BRITANNICK MAJESTY, AND OF THE HONOURABLE THE
UNITED* COMPANY OF MERCHANTS OF ENGLAND, IN
THE EAST-INDIES, kc. to. &c.

My LoitD,*

I

Dedicatory praise hath

ever been suspected of. sincerity i and
passes^ indeed, among men of the world,
a strain of turgid language, dei^iped.
to court siwthe the Yanitj of ^ pin*

OMn ita wst sense, to exprej® ■

DEDICATIOKT,

vi

hasty dictates of gratitude. — Yet, I have
the confidence to hope, that the tenour of
this Dedication will deserve a less severe
censure, and that it will be even said, I
have narrowed the limits of my subject

When I had resolved to intrude my
book of Travels on the notice of tl|^e.
public, 1 naturally looked around, being
an unknown author, for some name to
give it a sanction ; not the sanction of
wealth or grandeur; for they are not al-
ways the criterion of worth ; but that which
was to b© obtained from the man, who
stood eminent for the qualities which
most essentially contribute to the honour
and welfare of his country.

The object of this search, which does
not cross the eye at every glance, was
seen with pleasure; and though the uses
derived from it may he deemed presump-
tuous, I could not resist the desire of
fixing so bright an ornament to iny work ;
an<i of offering, however sieuder, my tri-
bdie of ap|ilause to actions, Which ddfcnand
a distinguished page in the atih’alfe 4f our
nation.'^

debication.

vii

III Fortune, wliicli, from tlie day of an-
cient Rome, lias been ordinarily followed
by neglect, obscurity, and oftentimes dis-
grace, opened a more extensive field for
the display ofYonii Loedship’s endow-
ments ; and like the blasts of Winter on
the rooted oak, hold out honourable tes-
timony of superior strength.

In the Eastern world, Yoce Lordship
has been opposed to an enemy far more
formidable, — the possession of a power
never before exercis^ed by a British subject ;
not even committed to the first tnagistrate
of our state ; and which extends over a
spacious region, a numerous and wealthy
people. Yet, far removed from controul,
in a land whose every principle of govern-
ment is actuated by a rapaciow^
whose people never approach the gate of
authority without an ofiering, we have
seen, and with wonder, the inflexible main-
tenanese of an integrity, only to be equal-
led by a temperate use of

But, panegyrick being tlte least grateful
where it is the most due, I will clqse this
address* with a aealous wish^ that

DEDICATION.

vm

Lordship may yet continue to govern the
British dominion in India, and complete
the work that already hath assumed so
fair an aspect. The sacrifice is great, but
the reward is still greater; it will reach be-
yond the sovereign’s bounty, or the people’s
praise.

I have the honour to be,

With the most profound respect,

Mt Lord,

Your Lordship’s
Most devoted.

And most obedient

humble Servant,
GEORGE FORSTEE,

Camvtta,

Jugmt ik 1790.

PREFACE.

Books of foyaga and Travels having been ever held
in atimation, and indnlgently received, I am the las
fearful of submitting the following volume to the notice
of the public. A knowyge of the manners of differ^
nations qualifies dom^tic prgudioe, and enlightens %
mind 5 bat the wlgects of Britain dWve ftoia it a sin*
gular benefit; they see, through a comparison that com*
municates a fond pleasure to the heart, the unrivalled
acdlencyof their laws, constitution, and government 5
they see these rare gifts brightly reflected on their
n^onal character, which still avowedly maintains its
|m-eminmce amongst the nations of the £ur(^m
world. a/aan to form a iadgmenl of flte bias
of hif own genius and disposition (on thq nwfe .of

PREFACE.

7;

•which he is, perhaps the least qualified to decide), I
would unteser'vedly say, that ia the course of my jour-
ney, I felt no impulse of partiality for any sect or body
of men. It is of serious concern to kliers, that many a
man of genius and science has fixed a discretlit on his
works, by a wilful adherence to some favourite system,
which alluring to its standard a various train of afl’ec-
tions, and ideas, he becomes involuntarily incited to
sacrifice to it the principles of truth and reason.

Travellers stand accused, even on proverbial au-
thority, of adopting a figurative and loose style of
description; and as I have been thrown into tracks,
removed from the eye of European observation, I am
prompted to earnestly solicit the confidence of the public
in behalf of this work, and to say, that howtever vitiated
by the errors of judgment, it has po tendency to disco-
lour or misrepresent truth. The cuisory dissertation
on the former and present state of Bengal, may have
some claim to favour, from the consyeration that I
vkfiM’tfiat ■prOWtecC ih the description* of a pissteger;
tftowgh but, a small portiorf (rf lOwtl knowledge might
hate beatmjqoilW', essealial jldvanfeges arose from this
temporaity resfifehte,

Guin-Eb By no ■yfetfs of interest, mt Impressed' by
say fbjtwk 0# power, I Was ehtdrMf fh esctiBhftMW the
ol^t# that md' throat i dl^jaaslOMIe

PREFACE.

The letter on tlio niyihology of the Hindoos, some
copies of which were published in 1785, has been cor-
rected since my return to India ; but from the various
intricacy of the subject, 1 am apprehensive it may yet
contain errors and apparent inconsistencies. Investi-
gations of the religious ceremonies and customs of the
Hindoos, written in the Carnatic, and in the Punjab,
would in many examples widely differ ; yet the Hin-
doo religion, in all parts of India, stands on a common
basts; nor dots the vast supers! niclnrc, when the view
is inspected with attention, essentially differ in its com-
partments, The ostensible dissimilarity arises, perhaps^,
from the manners of the same people, varying in North-
ern and Southern regions. A native of the lower Carnatic
is mild, temperate, and generally timid ; he performs the
ordinances of his religion with a zealous and scrupulous
atteitiffla ; and the Brarain qt that country, with many
of the other sects, is confined sferictly to tte use of vr^e*
taM® dM. Bo*# string the coniWst appears in the'
inhabitant of the Punjab ; those even of domestic and
laborious professions, are brave, daring, and often cruel.
Bramins are the usual soldier* of the' country, mawy
of whom eat flesh meat ; and they never leave their
bomej oven when not employed in railit^iy iertk*,
witlmt wwpoos. of offimee. The uimhaafo and me-
t^tekks, when they go birt a few mite ar#

sfil Wrongly ar»»#’} and in some of ihes'lforflhewi prtfi'

XII

PBEFACE.

Yinces, particttlarly in Bundilcnnd, the husbandmen

I

car*"y a spear into the field they are cultivating. This
difference of disposition has produced opposite manners
in th'' same tribes of people, as well as opposite cus-
toms, wbich, if not attentiyely investigated, would afford
a specious belief, that the inhabitants of the North
and South of India were not connected by any na-
tional relation. .

I HAVE to express with pleasure, great obligations
to Colonel JPoUer, of the Honourable Company’s service,
for having furnished me with large historical tracts of
the Sicques, and of the life of Shujah-ud-Dowlah. On
every application to that gentleman for other informa-
tion of Indian history, his papers and opinions have
been liberally supplied. I atft also much indebted to
Mr. Bristow, of Bengal, for a valuable manuscript
memoir of Shujah-ud-Dowlah, from which I have ex-
tracted curious and useful matter. The prefixed chart
of the road, calculated according to the reckoning of
my journal, was constructed by Mr. Wilford, of the
Bsngal corps of engineers, a ^ntleraan of extensive
geographical knowledge.

Science can receive but a slender aid from the ma-
teSals of tihe following work. The manner in which
I trairelled, precluded the use. of any feistrumwt to
flwartain foe distance and bearings. The one I pofod
ftom rfoserraig foe course of the sun j the other is

PKEFACE. XIII

agreeable to the coiiifflon computation of the country,
which is not often found widely erroneous. My urmted
knowledge of botany prevents, also, any accurate de*
scription of various dmes of trees and planis, which
I saw in Kashmire and Persia. But the natural pro-
ductions of those countries have been so scientifciilly
treated by Chardin, Le Bruyn, and Bernier, that ray
inability will be the less sensibly felt.

FORSTER’S TRAVELS.

tETTJEE 1,

Bcnaresn Sb# August 1782

DearSie,

Having resolved on visitini
Benares, that I might, there, indnlge, for i
short time, an investigation into the mythologj
of the Hindoos, I procured permission ‘to pro
ceed th that city; and, as you may receiv<
some amusement from the relation of my jour-
ney, with the observations that occurred, I wil
lay it before you ; intreating, that you will mak(
the necessary allowance for a stranger*, who,
though his remarks, and the conclusions drawn,
may partake of errors, will not, premeditatedly,

discolour the truth.

* *

* Hie atittior is a civil servant on the egtablistopieiil.

VOL. I. B

a

Forster’s thavees.

Ox the 23d of May, I left Calcutta ; and on
the next day arrived at Sooksagur, a valuable
and rising ])Iantation, the property of Messrs.
Crofts and Lennox. These genliemen have
established at this place, a fabrication of white
cloth, of which the Company provide an annual
investment, of about two lacks of rupees. They
have, also, founded a raw-silk manufactory,
which, as it bears the appearance of increase
and improvement, will, I hope, reward the
industrious and estimable labours of its proprie-
tors. In this plantation, a large quantity of
spirituous liquor is made, resembling, in an infe-
rior degree, the American rum, which, since
'the commencement of the Dutch war, has be-
come in great demand. Being applied to all
the uj&es of the Batavia atrack, a considerable
benefit is expected to arise to the Bengal pro-
vince, frarn a, cmn’ent sale of this commodity.
Injustice to those who enrich their country by
an thtroductiou of valuable manufactures, the
Government is called upon to yield tliem every
protection and grant them every fair indul-
gence it ia, likewise, the duty of the roan of
' ohsftvfa,tioo, to eircplate the success of such
works, that an emulation may warm the breastis
of his fellow citizens, and that those who pro-
ject them, may receive the tribute of applause,
due to genius -and industry, Ifc must not be

JFOKSTEa’s TSAVEtS.

a

omitted, that this new establishment hath been
noticed by the particular attention of the
Government of Bengal, which, on many other
occasions, has evinced a zealous disposition,
in encouraging and promoting useful under-
takings.

Thk English should no longer account them-
selves sojourners in this country ; they are now,
virtually, ‘ its Iprds paramount, and their policy
should not be that of a day; but, considering
the opulence and wealth of the subject as close-
ly tending to enrich the common state, they
should, at large, support his wants, and en-
courage his labours, A conduct equally wise
and profitable, would conduce to" tbe increase
of public, and private, prosperity, and operate
as a compensatory retribution for some actions,
which cannot bear the test of investigation ;
and which have, already, involved the national
character in disgrace. In touching on this
subject, I am necessarily led into reflections on
the commerce of Bengal, interior and foreign,
and on the common want of specie, throughout
the province.

pB2vrau8i,T to the sera in which the English
became possessed of Bengal, the different na-
tions' who visited if, were obliged to give specie
fbr the greatest portion of the commodities they
pnrehased ; there being but a small pro-

4

?o1ister’s teavei^s.

portion of articles taken in barter by t‘he
natives. This species of commerce, so lucrative
to India, and which must have deposited a
large amount of gold and silver, continued for
upwards of a century and an half. But, after
the English Government ^yas established in
Bengal, the necessity of this commeiciul system
no longer existed ; the amount of the revenues
became sufficient to purchase the cargoes of the
country, and to defray the public expenditures :
here, one channel of the influx of specie
into Bengal was stopped, and it will be found,
also, that the revolutions, which in that quarter,
advanced the fortunes of the English, have
materially lessened the like imports of the other
European nations, who traded to Bengal. Eor,
exclusively of finding a current sale for their
commodities, they have been enabled to procure,
from the English, large sums of money, for
bills on Europe. An important change lias-
also been effected on the interior commerce of
Bengal, by the extinction of the Mahometan
dominions.

The native princes, and chiefs of a various
description, the retainers of numerous depen-
dants, afforded a constant employment to a vast
number of ingenious manufacturers, who sup-
plied their masters with gold and silver stuffs,
curiously flowered, plain muslins, a diversity

FOKSTElVs TKAVEtS.

5

of beautiful silks, and other articles of Asiatic
luxury ; the use of which, wealth, and a pro-
pensity to a voluptuous life, naturally excited.
These Mahometan, or Hindoo, chiefs, have
either been removed, or, being no longer pos-
sessed of their former resource, have fallen into
poverty and decay ; and the artisans, who had
been supported in their professions by these
powerful and wealthy masters, were, on their
expulsion, obliged, from a want of subsistence,
to quit their professions, or the country. Hence,
many branches of rare manufacture, evidently
declined ; and some of the most precious are
now no longer known. The distracted and
impoverished condition of the Moghul and
Persian empires, hath contributed, consider-
ably, to lessen the great demand which was .
made by those states, for the produce of Bengal,
when Delhi and Ispahan enjoyed reigns of
grandeur and vigour. When it is considered,
that the Moghul court, whether in its splen-
dour or wealth, exceeded that of all other
nations ; that the numerous governors, inter-
spersed throughout the provinces, adopted the
manners of sovereign princes, and that all their
more luxurious articles of .dress were fabricated
in Bengal ; we must conclude, that the discon-
tinuation of such a traffic has produced strong
effects. In describing* this commercM event,

t) sorster’s travels.

■which has brought an evident change in the
quality of the trade of Bengal, I am not autho-
rized, by any specific knowledge, to say, that
3 general injury has been felt by the country ;
perhaps, the losses which have been sustained
are counterpoised by the augmentation of the
cargoes, though of a different species, ■which
are now transported, annually, to Europe.

IIavustg already noticed the large influx of
European specie, or bullion, in this country,
and the cause of the cessation of this traffic, I
■will offer some desultory sentiments, on* the
subject of tlie diminution of the coin in Bengal,
of which, grievous complaints have long existed.
During the Mahometan administration, private
■wealth "Was usually expended on the spot where
it bad been acquired ; and though severity and
oppression might have been exercised in the
accumulation, yet, by its quick circulation,
through the many channels of luxury, the
country at large was improved and embellished,
■\vithoult any decrease of the 'general currency.
It may be urged, that the expenditure of
Europeans, in their public and private buildings,
has, adequately, supplied the wants of the ar-
tisan and labourer. But, I am led to hazard an
opinion, that this amount falls much short of
that applied by the preceding princes to the
construction of mosques, baths, Hindoo teni-

FORSTER’S TEATELS.

7

pies, grand reservoirs of water, spacious gardens,
together with a variety of costly private edifices.
These modes of expence are neither adapted to
the genius, or inclination of Europeans, who
have no religious passion to gratify, nor are
they impelled, by patriot zeal, to raise monu-
ments of grandeur in India ; but holding them-
selves the moveable tenants of the day, they
are eager to reach their native home, that they
may there enjoy the fruits of their labour.

As the remittance of English property to
Europe could not be sufficiently attained, by
means of public bills, the servaiits of the Com-
pany, and private merchants, have been oftea
driven to the necessity of exporting specie,
though such a medium be attended y?ith heavy
loss ; or they are induced to throw their cash
into foreign funds, whereby their enemies, or
at least, their rivals, are enriched. The injuri*-'
ous' . tendieicy -of ■ this;: .Mmitatio'ir ^|of pubik;, „ re-
mittance, • having be felt, and

repeatedly represented to the superior Govern-
pient in England, it is to be expected that the
channel of conveying property from Iiidi4 'vili
be opened in so efficient a manner, that 'the
necessity of pursuing,' in future, the destructive
alternative of exporting gold and silver, or
employing foreign agents, will be, t^holly,
obviated. As the private cash taken' pp in

8

sorsteb’s travels.

India will be invested in Indian produce, and
sent to Europe, for the express purpose of
discharging the bills drawn ; the position is
clear, excepting in the event of unforeseen
calamity, that the sales of the cargoes, in
Europe, will enable the East-Indra Company to
discharge the requisite payments. In testimony
of the vast inherent resource of Bengal, it is
necessary to observe, that the wealth of this
province, which has supported, by its millions,
the Coromandel and Malabar coasts, foreign
and domestic wars, and the trade of China and
Bencoolen, must have been accumulated in
the space of sixty or. seventy years.

From the period of Aurimgzebe’s death*,
until nearly the date of our territorial establish-
ments in India, when tlie Moghul Empire still
preserved a large possession of its power, the
balance of the revenues of Bengal was punctu-
ally conveyed,' in specie and t bills, to the
Imperial treasury. The remittance of this
a'mopnt has been known tp oanse so great ip
scarcity of money, that many persons, possessed
of even large property, have incurred diflScul-
ties, , in defraying their domestic expences.
Though the maritime commerce of Bengal does

^ TMs Frmce A. D* 1707.

t A emre of rupeo^ or miiliou sterling, htm s^itt in ifae
course of mt year fr<m to Delhi* ' , ^

Forster’s tsaveis.

9

not raaintahi the vigour which accompanied it,
whilst the Europeans were confined to the
coasts of India, and exercised simply the pro-
fession of merchants, a brisk and important
trade is yet carried on at Gaicutta. The advan-
tageous traftic that subsisted formerly between
this port and Pegue, Siam, and the Malay
islands, now feebly remains ; and, unless some
favourable change is speedily effected, bears
the appearance of a total failure. Though these
branches of commerce, silver bullion, gold- dustj
and precious stones, were introduced into
Bengal:; from wbence, in return, raw and
wrought silks, coarse cotton cloths, opium,
and salt-petre, were exported. It hath also
been alleged, that, within these late years,
the maritime trade of Bengal lias received a
check from an embargo, or, what is tantamount,
an excessive high duty laid on the importwion
of foreign salt. This restriction has reduced
the number df ships, and iesseBed the consi-
derable exportation of grain, which, before
that period, annually took place at t]be po^t of
Cafeutta : yet, though it may have injured The
'exte#K)r:;Comnierce,: .'the'.revenue -of the Ganges
salt' bas^'''heeu i-nci*€a^ed;' :hy.-this;restficti€>ny lo,
an amount neyer produced at any former period.

, ^■it-'-,-is.paihfuh-.^p'erhaps^''npt-y^ 'V-to expatiate' . on
th# defects, or the igiisfortuncs oT a country,

10

toestek’s tkavels.

and hold them out to public view ; without;
proposing remedies for the ills that are ex-
hibited. The scantiness of my local knowledge,
will only permit me to say, that as the welfare
of the British dominion in India, ultimately
depends on the prosperity of Bengal, no labour
should be thougl];t irksome, no rational plan
left untried, Avhich may improve its revenue,
or encourage its trade.

On the S9th of May I arrived at Berbam-.
pore.^ In this cantonment, which is large and
eommodious, are stationed three regiments of
Sepoys, and a battalion of Europeans. On
the 15th of June, made an excursion to
Mooreshfidabad, and its environs, that I might
view the" theatre on which those interesting
schemes had been • agitated, which, after a
series of intrigue and bloodshed, advanced
the English to the dominion of a walthy
kingdom.

below the city, and
:"oav'th'e:' 'appbslte;:!ba»k-''bf ,ths;.i;iverj;'t-»taB'dsthe'^
burying place of ;Ali Verdy I^han, known also
in India by the name of Mahofeut J uug j a man,
who, by his abilities* as a soldier and a states-
.man, raisjed himself from a pri vate con ditioh, to
the Subabdarry of ilengah He ni«intain«fi 341
obstinate war with the Mabiuttas, for, the space
■■ of bight ::,yearSiv,,;.and'::tVaS,-;hnIher.^ ':aii;;obbtina|c.J

jtorstkk’s travels. 11

struggle, obliged to cede to them the cli.stricts
ofivuttack.

Not far from the tomb of Mahobut Jung,
lies interred his nephew, Seraje-ud-Dowlah, well
known in English liistory, by his capture of Fort
Witliam, and afterwards, confining the irafortu-
nate garrison in a close dungeon ; where most
of ihtm died from the severity of their situation.
The fate of this young mau was similar to
that of many an Eastern Prince ; of such, es-
pecially, who experience a reverse of fortune. —
Seraje-ud-Dowlah was betrayed by Meer Jaffier,
at the battle of Plassey, and assassinated a short
time after, by his order. Were the conduct of
Meer Jaffier to be tried by the law of natural
affections, or by the rules of private honour, it
must appear tainted with a die of deep hue.
Mahobut Jung, thinking to secure to his suc-
cessor the attachment of Meer Jaffier, bestowetl
on this officer, the highest office of Government,
with his sister in maniage; and on his death-
bed, in the most earnest manner, delivered the
young Nabob to his tutelage and protection.
Mahobut Jung should have known, from suc-
cessful experience,* that no ties are sufficiently
coercive to restrain the wild force of ambition ;
particularly that specie? of it found in an

* lie Imd made a siiccessful mt, iiis attaliimeiit of of
tim Yaflous imirume^ts of Intrigue tmd tr^^cherj*

13 .iroasTEa’s tuavels,

Asiatic breast, which is seen to break down
every fence.

The Mollahs, who are employed here to
offer up their prayers for the dead, said, that
the widow of Seraje-ud-Dowlah, frequently
comes to this mausoleum, and performs certain
ceremonies of mourning, in memory of her de-
ceased husband. Mooresbedabad, M'hicli now
bears the various marks of poverty and decay,
an evident result of the removal of the seat of
Government, is a city of no old date ; as the
residence of the subahs of Bengal, who, not many
years ago, kept their court at Rajah Mhal, about
one hundred miles further up the river. The
present Subahdar, Mubarick-ud-Dowlah, grand-
son of Meer Jaffier, and son of the Nabob
Mirun, who was said to have been killed by
lightning, receives an annual stipend of six-
teen lacks of rupees, from the Company’s trea-
sury: having never been vested with the power,
or possessed of an aspiri ng temper, he is the less
restless, in his present situation. As the British
nation, in the acquisitioit of their possessions in
Bengal, have been materially aided, by the fa-
mily of Mubarick^udrBowla they should not,
from any narrow scheme of economy, recede
from tlteir engagements with this prince,! who,
though flattered by tfae^ most indulgent at-
tentionj /-m'-ust ■' ' still ha ve'' ■ '.-imof tify ing;, . m omeu ts,

Forster’s travels. IS

unless he is wholly bereft of the sense of feeling*,
or the faculty of reflection. No buildings of
note are seen in the city of Mooreshedabad :
that which most attracts the attention, is the
cemetery of Meer Jaflier, his begum, and the
Nabob Mhenin*t few things are' more effica-
cious, in repressing or mocking vanity, of which
affection so ample a share has fallen to our lot,
than, dispassionately, to view the repository of
those who in their lives have been termed great
men, who, “ before they shuffled off this mortal
“ coil,” inflamed by pride, avarice, ambition,
thought empires too narrow for their scope, and
that mankind were only created to become the
instruments of their mad desires : these once
towering creatures, are now, per force, lodged
in very moderate apartments, where their tur-
bulent schemes sleep in quiet, and their names
are often buried in their ashes. — A tomb is one
of those few appendages of a great man, in’ the
possession of which none envy him.

On the 23d of June, I embarked in a boat at
Mooreshedabad, and with a fresh easterly wind,
sailed up the river about SO miles. The boat-
men, generally Hindoos, fasten the boat to tlie
shore in the evening, that they may eat and

^ 1 have foeein also Monied that Mheni's was'iaterred at
Rajemhah It is not usual amoug the to erect ce*

uataphs.

14

J-OKSTE n’s’^TEAVELS.

refresh themselves ; it not being the usage of
their sect to prepare victuals on the water.

24th. — I saw the village of Jungypore on the
eastern shore, where the Company have esta-
blished a factory, for the manufacture of raw
silk. This day our course was about twenty
miles.

25th. — Entered the main branch of the
Ganges : — here the river affords a spacious
view, which is terminated, at the extremity of a
long reach, by a vista of the hills above Rajah
Mbal, extending, in a regular chain, to the
north-west. The Ganges, which at Sooty, * is
full four miles across, was that day roughly agi-
tated by a strong wiird, which heaving the
waters into a short breaking wave, gave jt the
appearance of an arm of the sea. The riches of
Bengal, with a large portion of the conveniency
of its inhabitants, are, in an essential degree,
derived from this river, which, wrjh its nume-
rous branches flowing through and inteirsecting
an extensive space of country, trmsfwjfts speedily,
and at at a moderate essence, the various- pro-
duct of districts, towns, and villages, to place*,
where they are immediately consumed, or col-
lected for the supply of more distant marts.
Tlie Ganges also affords a grand aid to the Ea-

A Yilkige the head of the Ca^simbauai rivet.

FORSTEIl’a TRAVELS.

15

glish, in all military operations within their own
territory ; whilst their armies on the Cbro-
manclei and Malabar Coasts, are, from a want of
provisions and ammunition, cramped and im-
peded in their motions ; and are frequently, for
the obtainment of these supplies, compelled to
retreat, on the moment of reaping the full fruits
of victory. But, the Bengal armaments are
furnished, from their store boats, with' every
equipment ; and the Europeans enjoy, in their
camps, even the luxuries of life.

In the 'evening, arrived at Rajah Mhal, a
former residence of some of the Bengal subah-
dars. Ali Verdy Khan, in the beginning of
his administration, which commenced in 1742,
removed the seat of Government from this place
to Mooreshedabacl. I could not learn the cause
of this preference ; although not deficient in
enquiry. The natives of India, are not much
addicted to curious investigation, and are gene-
rally inattentive to the history of their own
country. It would seem that their chief hap-
piness is centered, in enjoying the present hour,
which, absorbs every retrospect of th®> past, and
care of tlie future. Their pleasures are even in-
dolent and languid, aqd partake of the mild in-
fkence of their climate, and the easy produce of
afertile soil. Ali Verdy Khan probably removed
his, capital to Moorshedabad, thath® m%ht keep

16

FOHSrCES TKA^EIiS,

a more vigilant watch over the actions of the
English, whom, it was said, he feared ; and also
more conveniently prosecute the war against the
]\fahrattas, who had invaded his country, on the
side of the Kuttack. Rajah Mhal bears at this
day an impoverished aspect ; and were it not for
the heaps of ruins interspersed through the town
and its environs, which have now mouldered into
a state of deep decay, it would be difficult to
discover, that this place had been, so lately, the
piincipal city of a powerful and opulent chief.
Sauntering amongst the ruined buildings, I
strayed into a small garden adjoining the bank
of the liver; where perceiving an old man, em-
ployed in digging, I entered into a conversation
with him. Happening to be more intelligent
than the common class, and agreeably to the
period of his life, very narrative, he afforded me
much amusement iii his relation and remarks.
This old Cicerone observed, that the very spot
which he was then cultivating, was the site of
the Nobet Ghah, or the music-hall of the old pa-
lace; and that within his recollection, a capa-
cious garden had extended in front of his little
enclosure, which the Ganges had now swept
away. The instability of the monuments of
human grandeur cannot, in any regioSt eff the
globe, I apprehend, be more faithfully, or more
grievously exerriplified Chan at Rajah Mhal; yefc

JPORSTER’s TBAVEL‘!>

17

i must exclude from this range of ruins the con-
venient and hospitable house of Mr. Cleveland,
which formed a part of the Subahdar’s palace.

On the 26th, passed, with a fresh easterly wind,
the village of Sickergully, (where a heavy swell
had nearly overset the boat) and observed near
it a neat building, which had been erected by
JVIr. Cleveland, for the accommodation of pas-
sengers.

27th. — Saw the town of Pointec, near which,
on an eminence, stands an Hindoo, or Maho-
metan mansion ; and a mosque, now apparently
in disuse. Adjacent to the$e buildings, a mo-
nument has been raised to the memory of a Mr.
Middleton, who died there, on his journey to
Calcutta : these objects would not perhaps de-
serve notice, did they not present picturesque
land-marks.

28th.— -The wind being light, and the current
strong, the men were obliged to.track the boat.
These two last days we proceeded only about
thirty miles. An evident danger is incurred by
approaching the banks of the Ganges^during the
latter seasou of the rain, from their frequently
falling, being of great height in many places,
and chiefly composed of loose soil, the weight of
«arth descending on a boat, would undoubtedly
destroy it.

3S>th.— At noon, arrived at JFungharah, a

VOL. r. 0

38

foester’s teatels.

small rocky island, on which stands a seminary
of Hindoo mendicants, anil on one of the sides
are seen some figures of very ancient sculpture.
A long line of hills, running from the south-east
to the north-west, forms here a beautiful termi-
nation of a broad range of the river. It has
been said, that Seiaje-ud-Dowlah was assassina-
ted at Jungherah, whither he bad fled for shel-
ter from the pursuit of Meer Jaffier ; but it
should seem more probable, that he was appre-
hended near this place, and carried to Moore-
shedabed.

Tins day, observed the frame of a well, built
of bricks, that stood in the middle of the stream,
with its wall in perfect condition, full fifteen
feet above the surface of the water. It must
have pertained to some village, bordering on the
Ganges , now destroyed by the encroachment
of its flood.

PaocEEDED this day, about 35 miles, and in
the evening, saw Mongheer, where I ai rived
the next day. The fort ia in a decayed condi-
tion, as well as the private buildings, wliich are
uninhabited. The situation, which occupies a
fiat of great extent towards thf westward, and
has the Gauges on the north, is equally V«U
chosen for defence, dad conveniency. One of
the angle bastions comnaands a beautifully wind-
ing view of the ri?er> wltich » plosid by

rOR<iTER’s TRAVEL*!.

19

of distant hills. It appears that the present fort
of Monghcer was built by Sultan Shujah, the
second son of Shah Jehan,* who governed the
provinces of Bahar and Bengal, and was held
in high estimation by the natives, for his libe-
rality and equitable administration. As some
relation of Sultan Shujah, (especially of the lat-
ter period of his life, which was involved in a
series of calamity) may excite yourattention, and
enable me to offer up a tribute of pity to the me-
mory of an unfortunate, but gallant, prince, I
will lay it before you, agreeably to the memoirs
of M. Bernier, one of the most accurate and
ingenious writers, on the history of Hindostan.

After the battle of Alhabad, in which he
had been worsted, Sultan Shujah retired into
the interior parts of Bengal, with his army,
where he made a vigorous stand against the arms
of the Emperor f. Bernier says, “ There re*
“ mained, now, no other thorn in the side of
“ Aurangzebe, than Sultan Shujah, who still
“ maintained himself in Bengal ; but he was at
“ length forced to yield to the power and for-
“ tune of his brother.

* This f rince caused a broad and deep trench to he cut kom
the nver to tte hhls, (Tery perceptible tracei df which are sow to
he seal) for die more eihctually defesding this post agwnst the
alifeck of Aurungaebe^s mmj, which had pursued him from the
upper parts the, country*

t Aurungaehft

20

jPOnSTER’s TRAVELS.

“ Amir Kuaila,* by the numerous bodies of
“ troops that had joined him, was enabled to
“ hem in the army of Sultan Shujah, on botli
“ sides of the Ganges, and to compel that prince
to seek refuge at Dacca, a town situate on
“ the extremity of Bengal, towards the sea side ;
“ and here, ensues the conclusion of the tra-
“ gedy. The Sultan Shuj ih, being destitute of
*• ships to put to sea, and not knowing whitiier
“ to fly, sent his eldest son, Sultan Banqiie, to
“ the King of Racan,t or Mug, who was of
“ fleathen religion, to know, whether he might
** be permitted to take shelter in his country,
for a certain time, and when the monsoon, or
periodical winds should set in, whether he
could be furnished with a vessel, to carry
“ him to Mecca, from whence he intended
“ passing into some part of Turkey, or Persia*
“ Sultan Banque returned to Dacca, with some
“ galleasses, manned, with Feringbis, I mean,
“ those fugitive Portuguese Christians, who bad
entered into the service of the King of Racan^
and were employed in no other business than
ravaging the lower parts of Bengal The
“ young roan reporting to his father, that he had
“ been kindly received, and had full assurances
pf protectioDj and assistance given him ;

* The Officer commtodJng the expedifiem Sultan
f 'More commouly known by tlie name of Aracnii

rORSTEtt’s *rHAVELS.

SI

Sultan Shujab, with his family, consisting of
“ three sons, daughters, and their mother, em-
“ barked at Dacca. On their arrival at 0,acaii,
‘ they were treated M?ith much civility, and pro-
“ vided with such necessaries, req.iisite for
“ their subsistence, as the country afforded,
“ in the name of the King. Some months pass
“ away, the season of the favourable winds also
“ approaches, but no mention is made of the ves-
“ scl, though the Sultan required it, on no other
“ terms than the payment of the hire, for he,
“ yet, wanted not rupees of gold and silver, or
“ gems. — He had, indeed, too great a plenty of
“ them, his wealth being, in all appearance, the
“ cause of his ruin, or at least, contributing
“ much to it. This prince might long enough
“ have solicited for a ship ; all was in vain ; he
“ effected nothing. — On the contrary, the King
‘‘ began to shew great coldness, and to com-
plain of his not coming to see him. I know
“ not whether Sultan Shujab thought it un-
“ worthy of himself, and too great a condescen-
“ sion to visit this King ; or rather, whether
** he feared, that being in the power of their
“ chief, his person might be seized on, for the
“ purpose of plundering his treasure, and that
“ he himself might be delivered into the hands
of Amir Kumla, who had oficre^,* m the
“ aa^me of AiiruBgzebe» fefg^ sows of money^

foester’s travels.

1)0

“ with other considerable advantages, for ob-
“ taining the possession of this unfortunate
“ family.

“ Whatever might ha%?e been the cause,^
“ Sultan Sbujahdid not go thither, but sent his
eldest son ; who, on approaching the dweli-
“ ing of the King, began to display his libera-
lity to the people, by throwing amongst
“ them a considerable quantity of rupees of
“ gold and silver, and when he came before
“ the King, he presented him with rich em-
“ broideries, and rare pieces of goldsmith’s
“ work, set with precious stones of great value ;
“ excusing at the same time, on account of
“ some illness, his father, in whose name he had
“ now to entreat, that the ship, which had been.
‘‘ promised, might be held in readiness. But,
“ all that the Prince had done, had not advaii'
ced his business ; on the contrary, this King,
“ in the course of five or six days after, made a
demand of one of the daughters of Sultaa
“ Shujah, in marriage, in which the father re-
“ solving never to acquiesce the King became
“ highly ofifended.

“ Sultan Shiijah seeing the season for sailing
had passed away, and perceiving the situation
in which be was then placed wa§ a desperate
one, detcrmined on pursuing equally .de8pe-
mfe' mea8ures>:'and'.mn'dcrtt)Qkthe;peribrniance ^

KJRSTEIl’s TliAVELS.

S3

“ of an action, which may afford a great ex-
ample of the efforts of despair. Although
“ this King of Racan, in his religion, is a Pagan,
“ there are many Mahometans, mixed with the
“ people, who have either chosen, to retire
“ amongst them, or have been enslaved by the
“ Portuguese before mentioned, in tlieir ex-
“ peditions to the neighbouring coasts. Sultan
“ Shujah secretly gained these men, whom he
“ joined with two or three hundred of his
“ own people, the remainder of those who fol-
“ lowed him from Bengal; and with this force
“ he resolved to surprize the house of the Kiag>
“ put his family to the sword, and make him-
“ self sovereign of the country. This bold
“ attempt, which resembled more the enterprise
“ of a desperado, than that of a prudent naan,
“ yet, had, from the intelligence I collected
“ from many Mussulmen, Portuguese, and
“ Hollanders, who were then on the spot, a
“ certain feasibility in it. But the day before
“ the blow was to be given, a discovery was
made of the design, which altogether ruined
“ the affairs of Sultan Shujah, and involved in
“ it the destruction of his family. Por, aftet
“ this failure, having no further hope pf vetrie-
** vihg his fortune, he endeavoured to escape
“ into Pegii ; a purpose, in a manner i^^^

“. hie '':to '..he :cffccted,''-hy .Ireagottf-of;: tW. ^vast-

M Forster’s travees.

“ moQutalns and forests that lay in the way:

besides, they pursued him so closely, that he
“ was overtaken, the same day on which he
“ fled. It may be well imagined, that Sultan
“ Shujah defended himself, with the most ob“
“ stinate courage. The number of Barbarians
“ that fell under his sword will scarcely be cre-
“ dited ; but at leng’th, overpowered by the
“ multitude of his enemies, he was forced to
“ quit the combat. Sultan Banque, who had
not advanced as far as his father, fought like
a lion, until covered \rith the blood of the
“ wounds he received from the stones, that had
“ been showered upon him fi-oni all sides, be
“ was seized on, and carried away, with his
“ mother, two young brothers, and his sisters.
“ All that could' be learned of the fjfte of Sultan
“ Shujah, himself, was, that, accompanied by
“ one woman, an eunuch, and two other persons,
f* he ascended the top of a mountain ; that he
“ was M'Oimded on the head with a stone, which
“ struck him down ; but that thq eUnuch having
“ bound up the wound, with his own turban,
“ he. arose again and escaped into the midst of
“ the woods. This relation I have heard re-
“ counted in many different ways, by th^sc
“ even that were dh the spot, which gave rise
“ to a variety of reports of this Prince, and
“ spread frequent alarms at the c«3urt of P .

yoaSTEE’s THATSLi.

23

This writer, after giving a detail of the
many conjectures, that were formed of the fate
of Sultan Shujah, mentions, that he travelled
from Bengal to Masulipatam, with an eunuch of
that Prince, and his former commandant of ar-
tillery, who told him that Sultan Shujah was
dead, but observed a strict reserve in communi-
cating any farther information, Mr- Bernier
supposes, that if Sultan Shujah was not slain
on the place of action, he must have died,
soon after ; falling either into the hands of rob-
bers, or a prey to the wild beasts, with which
the forests of that country abound-

SuBSEQUENTt-T to this event, the remaining
branches of the family were thrown into prison,
where they were treated with much rudeness ;
but after some time, Bernier says, they received
a milder treatment, which was chiefly caused by
the marriage of the eldest daughter of Sultan
Shujah, with the King of Racan, The sequel of
this event sets forth, that the servants of the Sul-
tan Banque were discovered in forming another
conspiracy, with those Mahometans, who have
beep already noticed, and that the King being
now violently exasperated against this unfortu-
nate family, ordered it to be extirpated j por'
did any branch rentiain, excepting the Princess,
whom he ;had ■' esponaedi ** '

fate

'of Sultari' Siiiijali, as lt;ptees

passage.' '' , \ ,

26

^okstek’s teatem.

Cassum All Khan, in the last years of bis
go^'erument, retired to the fort of Monghcer,
and, actuated by a keen resentment against the
English, for their extensive encroachments on
his authority, and the commerce of his country,
he formed the plan of throwing off their yoke,
and annihilating their influence in Bengal. In
addition to these motives, he was urgently inci-
ted to the attempt by the officers of his court
and army, who were necessarily alarmed at the
diminution of their power and lucrative appoint-
ments. Amongst the foremost of these we find
the Armenian Khojah Gregore, who, contrary
to the usage of his country-men, had assumed
the profession of arms, and had risen to high
rank and confidence, in the service of Gassum
Ali. He seems, with Sumroo, to have home a
principal part in the war against the English,
which ultimately involved, as is well known,
the ruin of Cassum, and the destruction of the
Mahometan dominion in Bengal. Gregore also
lost his life ; for, on a suspicion of intriguing
with the Armenians of Calcutta, he was cut
off, previously to the expulsion of his master.

'ia a- point of view,: dllfereni •from ’that de’serib^d rby a Ijfte
'(CpjU Dow)'' on the Empire "of Hindostan; who/'howevey ,vrell^'
fo&ded Ills claims,^ to'’acctiracy, 'co^id 'not; have Mttmmd '''tbo' pps*'
session of inore anth'ent!c'docnmentsi;'than'' a. parson, 'whd' was^hint*
self bronght , forward ^ into ;-the aefen df .the* day, '' and ' ' '

i"£>IlSTER’s TKAVEES.

17

With Cassum Ali * ended, virtually, the power
of the subahdars of Bengal MeerJaffier, in
his last administration, made a feeble attempt
to resume his authority, but it soon terminated
in his death, and in leaving the English the
supreme rulers of an extensive and valuable
territory.

I SHOULD be ill entitled to a place, even
amongst the most trite observers, did I not, be-
fore I quitted this part of the country, throw
my mite into the fund of general applause which
has been bestowed on Mr. Cleveland. This
gentleman, whom I never saw, but whose works
loudly proclaim his merit,, and diffuse his praise,
has, by an equitable and judicious management
of the Rajah Mahl and Bauglepour districts,
considerably increased the number of inhabi-
tants, and improved, as wcU as facilitated, the
collection of the revenue. The increase of popu-
lation is conspicuously seen in the dependency

* Cassum Ali Chan, after wandering about the upper provinces,
and soliciting the aid of various chiefs against the English, sought
protection at the court of Delhi. He evinced tlie same intriguing
and sanguinary di^osition in domesticlife, ashadmarked hispublic
character. He endeavoured, it is said, to supplant the Minister at
b^hi, by an offer of a large donation to the King ; and he is accused
ofmurdeting, at different tira^, the women he rattled with liim
from Bengal, ^t hfe death, which happened at
wall, in 1777, . the Gpurt saiafedV® Xis, estate, the valat of wMph,.
*was ; computed at oM thitsmui swatt residw of. the

plunder' .of Ben(pla»d,Bahh*’!'',,;, „>■, .r. . ^

3?obsteb’s travels.

2S

of Mongheer, and in the extensive tnercflts o;
that place, which are resorted to by aconcours<
of various traders. He hath also made strenuoui
exertions, in drawing the adjacent Mountaineers,
from their fastnesses to the plains. N or have
hi.s labours failed of success. Twelve hundred
of these men have entered into our service, and
are embodied in a corps, which bears the appear-
ance of becoming useful to the state. The in-
dulgent treatment shewn them, with the supe-
rior advantages which they derive, must ope-
rate as powerful inducements to their brethren,
in following so profitable an example. The de-
predations of these people had, at former periods,
rendered the passage of the roads in that quar-
ter so unsafe, that escorts were stationed at cer-
tain posts, for the protection of travellers ; and
detachments of two or three battalions, have
occasionally been sent against the savage inha-
bitants of the Baglepour hills ; who are now be-
come the guardians of a country, which they had
long wasted, by rapine and bloodshed.

Mr. Cleveland has established small buildings,
at most of the halting places within his districts,
for the accommodation of travellers j and the
natives of those parts, who seem to have profited
by the conduct of their chief, are pecoliarfj
attentive to strangers. ’ Sttch ^vc been the ad-
vantages, which tsb'e state, and a of ii^Oj-

FOSSTEa’s TBAVEES. 2S

pie have derived, from the public spirit, and the
benevolent efforts of one man ! But his reward
hath been bounteous and complete. He hath
enjoyed the honour of exalting, in a distant
land, the character of his nation, ^tnd felt sen-
sations which transport the mind beyond the
reach of fortune.

On the dd of July, I left Mongheer ; and
arrived, on the 5th, at Patna, by water. This
city is spacious and populous, though much fal-
len from the importance it held, during the resi-
dence of the Subahdar of Bahar. The great quan-
tity of poppies cultivated in the contiguous
districts, from which opium of an excellent qua-
lity is produced, together with extensive
salt-petre works, have rendered Patna opulent,
and the center of an extensive commerce. The
different manufactures of silver, iron, and wood,
are little inferior in this city, to those of Eu-
rope ; and when the rudeness of the tools, with
the simplicity of the process, is examined, the
degree of delicacy which the artisans have ac-
quired in their several professions, must chal-
lenge a high admiration.

The numerous ruins of public and private
edifices, scattered through the town of Patna,
and its environs, indicate a former grandeur and
extent, which now no longer exist, A6 ancient
name of this placsi stili knoWn to some of th®

so

yOBSTEu’s TBATBLS.

more intelligent inhabitants, .and bearing an
affinity to that given, by Strabo and Pliny, to
the supposed capital of India, has suggested an
opinion, that Patna occupies the situation of
the celebrated Palibertha ; which is farther sub-
stantiated by the geographical observations of
Major Rennel.— Curiosity, and the desire of tlie
moment to indulge a melancholy idea, led me
to the spot, where the English were massacred
by the order of Cassum Ali. The former build-
ings are removed, and a well-proportioned
monument has been erected iu conimcmora-
tioH of that dreadful event, though without any
inscription. Perhaps it had been consistent with
sounder policy, that no such memorial had been
fixed ; but as it was judged expedient to record,
thus publicly, an act of treacherous cruelty, the
cause, I think, should have been explained.

On the 13th of July, I left Patna, and on
the same day arrived at Muzufferpour, the resi-
dence of the Collector-of Tirhoot, an extensive
district, about forty miles to the northward of
Patna, and producing a revenue of about six
and a half lacks of rupees.

"In the neighbourhood of Muzuferpour, an
action was fought in 1760, between Mherim^ the
eldest son of Meer Jaffiter, assisteiil by the
English troops, and JCadim Hussein 3K.han, thjs
fhief of Pume^ in which the latw

POHSTER’s TRAVEXjS. si

A few days after the engagement, Mherim died,
struck, it was said, by lightning. The father
believed that his son had been cut off by an
assassin, and he loudly accused Cassum Aii of
the nunder The event having removed a
strong bar to Cassum’s ambition, and theie also
appearing some suspicious circiimslances, at-
tending the alleged cause of his deatli, Meet
Jaffier may be justified in believing, that his son
had been taken otF, by an avowed rival, who was
seen at a subsequent jjeiiod, indulging an im-
placabie and sanguinary temper.

On the 30th of July, crossed the country,
and went to Choprah, a long straggling town,
lying on the northern side of the Ganges, about
twenty miles above Patna. Choprah is the resi-
dence of the Collector of Sarun and Champoran ;
districts yielding an annual revenue of fourteen
and an half lacks of rupees ,Thc French and
Dutch bad* factories at this place, chiefly for
the purpose of ixianufacturing salt-petre, in
which commodity this part of the country pro*
fusely abounds. It is not unworthy of notice to
iTcmiark, that the Dutch, though obliged to pur-
chase the greater portion of their crude salt-petre
from the English, were enabled to sell it in its

* This letterwas ■written during the war wifii Prance and Holland,
wheii dpsn pkees hod heen e^tnred

S2 FORfTKR’s TRATi:r,«l.

purifilsd state, at a lower rate than that manu-
factured by the English Company, and of a
superior quality. This commercial advantage,
may be ascribed to the rigid system of eco-
nomy observed by the Dutch in all their opera-
tions, and to a persevering attention to business,
with which that people seem constitutionally
endowed.

On the l€th of August, left Choprah, and on
the 17th arrived by water at Buxar. It was in
the vicinity of this place that Cassum Ali,
joined by Shujab-ud-DowIah, with the whole of
that Prince’s army, made his last effort against
the arms of the English. The superior numbers
of the enemy who crowded the plains of Buxar,
availed them little, when opposed to the small,
but well arranged, and determined body of the
English; who, after a smart action of two hours,
completely routed the combined forces, and
captured the whole of their artillery. This ac-
tion, heretofore so amply described, Imd not
perhaf® now been adverted to, feat for the im-
pulse of an earnest desire of inaprinting anew oa
your memory, the services performed on that
day by the British troops j 1 to whom their
country stands iadebtfid for a singular.
tion of its fame, and the acquisition of solid
benefits.

Tbe fort of Buxar,- which, tfeo^h ifHah* ii

FOESTEIl’s TUAVELS.

yet sufficiently tenable to resist the common,
attacks of a native power, stands on the exte-
rior limits of the Bahar province. The present
commandant has added to the strength of the
fort by some late improvements ; and for a more
extensive protection of the inhabitants of the
adjacent town, he has encompassed a wide space
to the eastward of the fortifications, with a ram-
part and ditch.

The curiosities to be seen at Buxar are few,
and, excepting one, not worthy of enumeration.
But this one, the Hindoos hold in a degree of
estimation not inferior to that of the Neapoli-
tans for the blood of Saint Januarius, or those
of their faith in general for the holy house at
Loretto. The monument in question,, which is
erected on a small mount to the westward of the
fort, is sacred to the memory of the Gold Ram,
who is seen occasionally officiating as the Mars
of the Hindoos; and is said to^have the direc-
tion of war and victory. It would appear, that
Ram, whilst a youth, made a visit to this emi-
nence, and tarried on it for the space of seven
days, where he was taught from some learned
master of the science, the art of managing the
bow, and wonderful were his feafs ,wifch this
weapon an after-times: indeed, were? the most:
moderate of them to be, recorded, it.wopldbe
yoi« j, - » ,

t

ItOBSTER’s 'TRAVELS.

readily admitted without torturing the phrase,
that Ram “ drew a long bow."

At the distance of two miles to the westward
of Buxar, the Torin Nullah, a rivulet which falls
into the Ganges, terminates the province of
Bahar, and divides it from Benares. Though
the Caramnassa river, from being of greater
note than the Nullah, and running contiguous
to it, is generally denominated the boundary.
In crossing this river on service, tbe officers on
the Bengal establishment become entitled to a
double portion of their usual pay, for the better
enabling them to defray the extraordinary ex-
pen ces incurred in countries far distant from the
sca-coasts, and where European articles, from
the charges of conveyance, sell at an advanced
price.

The view from Buxar into the Benares pro-
vince, presents a scene of infinite gratification
to the sense. You see an extended plain skirt-
ed a broad winding river, and chequered
with esniberant fields of corn, groves of lofty
spreading tites, and large villages ; the whole
combines in it smne of the grandest objects in
nature, and impresses the mind with cheerfilil-
'■ ness and ,c,ontent."'"'; '

, ^■'EES'f ■ Bfijiar ’on 'the S3d, and'' arrived' 'on the
26th^,«t.'Bcnares,;;'tO' whidh’city from^'Mcmgli^
the distance 'by'water-isabout''fSO'':'miif8. ;

poestee’s teavees.

35

In the relation of this sailing excursion
through the provinces, you Avill doubtless see
many inaccuracies. You will likewise see that I
have too narrowly circumscribed the description
of a country, which with a fertility that con-
veys the idea of plenty, and national security,
holds out to the eye, a grand and various scope
of the most beautiful imagery.

I am, Dear Sir,

Yours, &c. &c.

36

Forster’s travees.

LEITER IL

Benares^ SCXA September, 1782.

My DEAR Sir,

Having given you a cur-
sory detail of my journey from Calcutta to Be-
nares, with the remarks that occurred; I will
now lay before you the result of my enquiries
and observations at this place. Sbould errors
arise in the investigation of a subject, hitherto
slightly . discussed, and, from its extensive va-
riety, perplexed and abstruse, I must entreat ah
indulgent eye ; , and though mistaken in my
opinions, I presume to hope for some commen-
dation,'- were it only for endeavouring to admi-
nister a rational pleasure.

The city of Benares, for its wealth, costly
huildingSj and the number of its inhabitants, is
classed in the first of those now remaining in the
.pqssession of the Hindoos. To describe Vith a
due degree of pfecisioh the various te^
dicated at Benares;^ to the almost innumerable

Forster’s travels.

57

deities, and to explain the origin of their foun-
dation with the necessary arrangement, would
require a knowledge far superior to mine in the
mysterious subject of Hindoo Mythology. It
is at this day enveloped in such deep obscurity,
that even those pundits the most skilfully versed
in the Sanscrit,* are not able to render it mo-
derately comprehensible to the generality of
people.

But as some relation of a city so famous in
Hindoostan, and now so well known in Europe
for supplying one of the grand sources of the
religious worship of the Hindoos, and being the
chief repository of the science yet existing
among them, may not be unacceptable to you,
together with a cursory investigation of the
Mythology of Brimha; the task shall be atr
tempted with aT^tention to the object, and, I
trust, with a strict adherence to truth.

At the distance of eight miles from the city
of Benares, as it is approached on the riverj
from the eastward, the eye is attracted by the
view of two lofty minarets, which were erected
by Aurungzebe, on the foundation of an anGieot
Hindoo temple, dedicated to the Mhahjpieve,
The construction On this sacred ruin oif So tow-
ering a Mahometan pile, which, from its elevated

language In legend^ oftjife .f^WoosMve'

been preserved, *. v,; ^ ;

38

FORSTBtt’S IBAVJELS.

height, seems to look down with triumph and
exultation on the fallen state of a city so pro-
foundly revered by the Hindoos, would appear to
have been prompted to the mind of Aurungzebe,
by a bigoted and intemperate desire of insulting
their religion. If such was his wish, it hath
been completely fulfilled. For the Hindoos
consider this monument, as the disgraceful
record of a foreign yoke, proclaiming to every
stranger, that their favourite city has been de-
based, and the worship of ther gods defiled.
From the top of the minarets is seen the entire
prospect of Benares, which occupies a space of
about two miles and an half along the northern
. bank of the GangeSj and generally a mile in-
land from the river.^ M
•which are reiiiarkably high, some of them ha-,
ving six and seven floors, are built of stone, re-
sembling that species found in the quarries of
Portland*, and which a bounds in this part of the
cdhhtry. Brit the streets where these lofty build-
ini^s sfahd, afd so narrow' as not to kdmit of two
CotamOn cirriages abreast. In addition to the
perhicibus effect which must proceed from a
bonfihed atmosphere, is, in the hot season,
an intoferable stench atising fioui 'thb th^hy
fdeces of stagnated water dispersed in different

or Ctear-Qhw k closer graSoci aad
deeper eolotirecl* thao that of Portland. ' ’ ' . ^ ..

FOKSTER’s TBArElS.

S9

quarters of the town, whose waters and borders
are appropriated to the necessary uses of the in-
habitants. The filth also, which is indiscrimi-
nately thrown into the streets, and there left
exposed, (for the Hindoos possess but a small
portion of general cleanliness, ) add to the com-
pound of ill smells, so offensive to the European
inhabitants of this city. The irregular and com-
pressed manner which has been invariably adopt-
ed in forming the streets of Benares, has destroyed
the effects which symmetry and arrangement
would have otherwise bestowed on a cifyt enti-
tled, from its valuable fauildings, to a preference
of any capital which I have seen in India.

In my research into the principles of the
Hindoo religion, I received great aid from a
conversant knowledge of the Marhatta lan-
guage, and an acquaintance, though very tri-
vial, with the Sanscrit. The use of this last
tongue, now chiefly^ confined tio a particular
^ect of Bf amine, who officiate in the character of
priests, hath ever been made the channel of
conveying to the Hindoos, the essential tenets
of their religion, with all the various forms
of tlmf worship. The Sanscrit is a sonorous
language, aboundiag ia pith and conciseness;
and its periodsflow with boidness, and terminate
in a cadence peculiarly musical. An extract of
a Moke, or staUza, wlddi has bettt quoted by

40 FOKSTEll’s TBAYELS.

Mr. Halhed, is a striking testimony of the
nervous composition, and the laconic turn of
the Sanscrit. Being composed of only four
lines, I will insert it, and endeavour to give
the translation literally, and in verse.

renervan — §li<3troo>

in debt , enemf ,

shetrop — reslielenee,

enemy — extraTagant^ or immoral,

irupervuttee — shetroo,
beantifal ■ — enemy. , ■

shetroo ~ n^punditahi

enemy' . ■ — ^mllearned*

The mptjber^^w^

. ■ . : Tfie /Sire profuse .-.and ./oe ■ to 'shame,, , .

',,Are^to 'their;

;V' ' ' 'A 'Bride*s' ’soft Joys,.' ^thorris' implant,

And he who roams m felly
Destroys, his -father’s 'rest.,,''' ,,

sipHSE Hindoos believe iri one God, without
be^ttniilg and ■without cikh on whoih they be-
stow, ; dcscfiptive of his * powers^ a variety of
'epithets* i But the ^ most ; com mon ap pellation,
-and ' i ; which^-dOHVeys the' 'subiithest ■ 'sense 'of' his
.greatness^i ■ds,";';$ree' f|il'Un'':'M:arrai«t*. The ,„Hm- '

f There is reasou.to behevej that In the more -eatly periods
time, b^fi^ priests tib- Hindoos ht^ it dcpedienf^ fer

the &m«^r establishment of the^r sWay oyer the of the pecf 1%,

Fetiche
„ Father ^
Matah ,
Mother
Bhiriah
Wife "■
Footre •'
"Son-

torstee’s travels.

41

doos, in their supplication to the Deity, address
him as endowed with the three attributes of
omnipotence, ompipresence, and omniscience,
which in the Sanscrit are expressed by the
terms, Neerangin, Neerakar, and Neergoon.
Though these terms may not, in literary strict-
ness, comprise the precise meaning of the
English text, they convey it virtually, and in
the amplest sense. The Hindoos likewise be-
lieve, that the Supreme Deit}'^ possesses a three-
fold form, the parts of which are said to be
separate. It is composed of Sree Mun Narrain,
who is supposed to represent a human form;
the Alhab Letchinry, described as a beautiful
woman; and a serpent on which the Deity is
seated. This emblematical assemblage, a sym-
bol. of strength, love, and wisdom, according

to raise a huge soperstrocture of emblematical v^orship, tbe temples
erected to the Supreme Being were plain, and void of personifica-
tion ! the remains of on% of these are bow to be seen on the summit
of a hill, near the city of Kashmke ; which, according to tradition,
had been dedicated to the Creator' of the world; in which the
prayers of those' who, entered-, were addressed to 'the Deity without:

; supplicating the intercession of an 'intermediate agent,, .and where
•no image, 'dr symibol of Divine, ppwer, had a place, A gentfenian
of ,ctirious>es'earcb on'th,e, cos^t of Coromandel, informed' me, 'diiiat
,'at,'ChiIemberum, 'Ubout, ,20:miles.,to the southward, of Ciidaj'off,. ho'

' saw a religious' Hindoo edifice,' ■ plain, , and 'without ' ' any,:’ interior
fignri^,;;Which ,was,;d,e^dte^ tq.'the’wpmhlp of the InvisiWe;;,God,*^
and:i';W?»' never of pjjdfouiidrnwe aiid'

■ .''/'v-V'"

42

i'OBferEK'b TllAVELb,

to the Hindoo faith, is wholly spiritual, and is
never represented in their temples by any object
of matter: they say it is indivisible, and of
infinite space* * * §.

Is the beginning, the Hindoos believe that
the Deity created three men, to whom he gave
the names of Brimba, Vystnovv, and Shevabi'.
To the first was committed the power of creating
mankind ; — to the second, of cherishing them ;
— and to the third, that of restraining, correct-
ing, and destroying them:|;. Brimha at one
breath formed the human kind out of the four
elemetits, amongst which he infused, if I un*
derstand the interpretation, and may be allowed
the term, a vacuum^.

* Perhaps the mysterious Triad of Plato, who niadtj a free use
«f Eastern knowsledge, may have beea formed from Indian ma-
tt-rials.

t Called also Eishever, and Mbah Deve.

X In the capacity of Mhah Deve, he is denominated “ Tltc
Destmtdve fower.”

J

§ l'i>e m tk; Samcrit laiigmg^„ i$ tlie ptiuptt

vliichj I biiJIeve, I was not at the time, accurilely
}ttlo€«e4 for it seenij, that Hmdoos do mt admit oi' z

Taewum^ i» tkir of nature i^akmk in a general

ac€e|>fcatlo4 a^rkl^-ppaee ; but in the present sense, I am induced
ia think that it is designed hf the Hmdoos to denote the fowid
?lvif;ymg principle, termed in anck*nt fable^ ik Fromeflteait i»e,
supposed to haTc ardmated the human tWf note, 'it

not be imlnterestiog to introduce a tenet of the E-gypllan
philosophers, which Correspomls With ikt Met I
of the ula^ih of the flmdoos, ami a|so, ccidafft

FOKSTEtt’s TRAVELS.

43

Before the creation of man, Sree Mun Nar_
rain formed the world out of a perplexed aggre-
gation of matter, which had been covered with

entertained by them of the fonnation of the world, and the cre-
ation of animated bodies. These philosophical priests, who pro-
fessed the tenets of Menes, their first law^-giver, (whom they had
deified, and intitled Osiris, or the Sun), said that fire, or rather a
refined spirit, which they distinguished from the elemental fire,
was iiiifused through all nature, and composed the essence of that
being, who first gave form and order to matter. They believed
that five elements, — the mind, fire, air, earth, and water, constitu-
ted tiie entire world : they called the mind Jupiter, which signi-
fies the source of life, and they considered him the father of all
intelligent beings* The fire they termed Vulcan, who, iheyaL
iedged, contributed chiefly to the production and perfection ofafi
things. Earth, being as it were the bosom in which all things
receive the principles of life, was known by tiie designation of
Mother. The water was called Ocean, to which they gave the
name of the Nursing Mother. The air was denominated Minewa,
and believed to be the daughter of Jupiter, sprung from his brain,
tod always a virgin, as this element is incorruptible, and rises to
Heaven.*— The Egyptian philosophers supposed, that all the ori-
ginal matter of the universe had been inmaerged in a chaos, and
'was 'graduaMy separated from it by fermentafian 'that fihealr.wai
'In continual a]^tat'ioU9',,that;the\'fire, iiberated, from the, grosser
matter, had ascended, and formed the sun and stars, the highest
objects of the universe ; that spirit, or the mind, the most subtile pait
of fire, was dispersed through all parts, to animate life, and impart
^ l^'iolufitary; '.motion^ They, added, ■ that^ the earth and 'water, which ^
afrer;the' separation of, tlie air were yet , embodied, ^ became a globe,,
which cbnstanily, revolving on^ its, axis, .by' a motion excited by/tlie
fire the ^paration of 'thetwO' bodies' was, eiected and' thafitlte
rayS"# the',«u% makhig 'new ''fermentations 'on the surface of the.

: earth,' yet’ soft ■ and ;s!lmy,' produced, mim^ous cxcre^pces, which,,
nourished, »d strengthened by the gross' vapour night,—

the action of ' thc^ moon,— :ani'',aftcrward% by the boat,

4i

rORSTER’i!. THAVEW.

the waters, and inhabited by a demon, the sup-
posed author of evil, whom the Godhead drove
into an abyss under the earth’''.

The Hindoos, as Mr. Ilalhed, in his transla-
tion of the Code of Hindoo Laws, has fullj' set
forth, are arranged iu four grand casts, or
tribes t ; that of the Brainin, the Chittery, the
Bhyse, and the Soorler. Each of these casts is
subdivided into numerous sects, the particular

appeared at length, in the forms of different animals, lliose in
whom the hre predominated, moiinicd into air, and became birds s
those which participated more of earth, as men, <|oadrnpe<ls, and
Tepiiies, remained on the smface, while tlie more aqueous substan-
ces descended to the waters, their proper place of abode. It w as
necessary to gire' i^easdiia, why nature had stopped iu her primary
opt^ratiosjs, and did not form many more animal creatures^ as the
manner of formation had been $o simple and easy. Systematic
philosophy, even in its infancy, did not want resource ; and that
of the Egyptian has met the objection, by urging, that nature
had originally inspired every species of animals with the instinct
of propagation ; having sagely foreseen, that when the sim and
the winds had entirely dried the earth, it would he incapable of
producing perfect animals. See Mr* Labbathiefs History of Air
eient Nations, translated by Mr. Stockdale.

* ^ The writcTs of the Hindoo my thology, have given vai*bus and
diffuse descriptions of the origin of the world, and of the hinnan
and attinfal race, bu| unite in blending them with a serks of ex-
travagaiii and disgusting fables.

f There is in India an aboriginal race of people, who are nol
classed in any of the sects, and condned to the most menial office?*
If hey arc not permitted to enter any temple of the and

ihfey observe no restriction. On mne parts cf the Coast* of
Cofenuandei, they are called Dheres md Farlahs ; md^ In

rORSTEu’s TRAVELS.

45

usages of vhich are preserved with care and
attentive distinctions. There are sectaries, also
of the same tribe, v ho do not admit of the in-
tercourse of marriage with each other, or of
eating at the same board. It should seem, that
the genuine race of the Chittciy has for a great
length of time been extinct, and that its place
is now occupied by a spurious tribe. Tlie Hin-
doos composing these casts and classes, are
ultimately branched in two divisions ; the one
denominated Vystnow Bukht ; the other, Sheva
Bukht. . The followers of the former deity are
usually distinguished by a longitudinal mark ou
the forehead, whilst those of the latter draw a
parallel line on that part. Vystnow is worship-
ped under the representation of a human figure,
having a circle of heads, and four hands ; ein-
bieins of an alkseeing and all-provident Being.
The figure of a fabulous bird, on which he is
supposed lo ride, and denoting the velocity of
his- motion, is occasionally placed in front of
this image. Sheva, or Eishwer, and, as he is
often denominated by the Hihdoos, the Mhah
Dcve,i is usually represented by a compound
figure, describing the male and female parts of
generation, ^aad* designed as the symbol of pro-
creation and fecundity ; these faculties* or qua-
lities,^ being classed amongst the choicest bles-
sings of the Hindoos, and the deprivation of

46

roHSTEa’s TBAVEES.

them deemed a severe reproach and misfortune,
facing this designation of Mhah Deve, is some-
times seen, in a suppliant posture, the statue
of a cow, or bull ; an animal said to have de-
rived his sacred qualities, from having been
chosen by this god, as the favourite medium of
his conveyance. But the more enlightened
pundits say, that this creature hath been pre-
served from slaughter, by its great utility to
man ; it being his ablest assistant in the labours
of the field, and the chief provider of his imme-
diate sustenance*. It doubtless argues a sound
policy in the Hindoos, to stamp the ox with
this sacred mark ; for were its flesh eaten, as
Ilindostan is thinly supplied wkh horses, the
various branches of agriculture would Suffer an
essential injury.

Anothek figure represents Sheva, with four
hands, holdii^ diffwent emblems of his power ;
and five heads, four of which are directed to
the cardinal points* and the fifth is placed with
the face upwards, ia the supposed act of con-
templating the godhead. This deity, who occu-
pies nnurerems forms, is figured also with three
eyes, one of which is placed in the forehead*

In gtefetidc for the service which iBsdmha
perfotiied'oh earth, it Would raasonafaly he

FonSTEa’s I'EAVEW.

4T,

supposed, tliat the thanksgiving of liis people
would in some degree be proportioned to his
works. But the Hindoos have not dedicated
one temple to his honour ; nor have they esta-
blished a single festival, in reinembrance of his
deeds. It would redound but little to my credit,
did I insert in this place the reasons alleged in
their religious tracts, for the neglect of Brimha.
It is a tale framed to amuse the credulous Hin-
doo, and procure a meal to an artful priest.
The ostensible want of attention to the memory
of Brimha, may on a more abstracted ground
be . ascribed to an opinion, that the powers of
procreation having been primarily set in action,
and operating by a law impulsive and undevia-
ting, whose immediate benefits exist, and are
conspicuously displayed in its effects, no ritual ne-
cessity called for the commemoratidn of .its first
cause, or the propitiation of its future influence.

; : ■' Tbi '®bdbos;;bel}ifye ''iarplicitiy ■ in. predestina-
tion, and in the transmigration of the soul.
The first, though it may operate in cramping th4
genius and obstructing, its progressive powers,
bs®; :h^py'' '.tendency ''.in. assuaging;,','tb^r,.''mfe'.
fortunes^ and administering a comfort In all the
wants of life., say, ^ is the hand .of God,
which for some inscru^ble purpose, dlfpts.and
, im.'Pelft-’ the actions- ■- of his creatures. 'doc-
trine of MetempsychoMS restrains theih from the

48

forstee’s travels.

use of animal food*, an aliment not necessary
in a hot climate, and often attended with per-
nicious consequences. This restriction may
also have contributed to infuse into the minds
an abhorrence of sanguinary acts, and inculcate
the virtues of humanity and general philan-
thropy.

The Hindoos compute their grand evolutions
of time by epochs, , called in their language
Jogues, of which there are four, corresponding,
in the ascribed qualities, with the golden, sil-
ver, brazen, and iron ages of the ancients.
The present, they say, is the Khuilee,t or the
fourth Jogue ; and that at the expiration of
every age, the Supreme Being has destroyed
the world, and that a continued succession of
Jogues will revolve ad infinitum. The records
of this ancient people teem so profusely with
fable, and abound throughout in such extrava-
gant relations of their demigods, similar in their
feats to the Bacchus^ Percales, and Theseus of
the Greeks, that no rational or satisfactory
conclusion can be drawn, for any adjustment of
chronology. A pundit will introduce into his

* te|i€t isBot^ at tips day, strictly adhered to; for tlie
IJmdoos ot the second and fourth ca-st occasionally use teh ifietti.
%|d the Braipks of Bcpgal invariably eat Mh ,

.ara, 1787, corresponds of

toksteb’s teavees.

49

legend a lack* of years, with as much facility,
and perhaps conviction to himself, as our com-
mentators of theological history would reduce
to their standard, half a century.

The principles of the Hindoo religion, with its
most essential tenets, ere composed, it is asser-
ted, by Brimha, and comprised in four books,
intitled the Bairds or Vaids ; a word in the
Sanscrit language signifying mystery. In that
part of the peninsula of India bordering on the
Coromandel side, these sacred writings are
named the Vaidnms. The Talinghahs and
Malabars make little distinction between the
letters B, and V, and invariably terminate with
an M, all Sanscrit words. The Shastre is a vo-
luminous commentary on the Bairds, and has
been written by various pundits, for the purpose
of illustrating the Hindoo Mythology. From
the Shastre proceed those preposterous ceremo-
nies^ whjeh have been dragged into the Hindoo
system of worship, all tending to shackle the
vulgar mind, and produce in it a slavish reve-
rence for the tribe of Bramins. The privilege
of reading the Bairds, and expounding its texts,
is only allowed to them ; and prohibited to the
other casts, under severe penalties. By the sole
investment of this important authority* the
priest is left at liberty to explain the original

VOL. I.

* An hundred thoitssad.
E

rOBSTER’S TRAVELS.

oO

doctrine in tlie manner that may most forcibly
consolidate the power and promote the interest
of his order. In the transmigration of the
soul into different bodies, consists the various
gradations of reward and punishment amongst
tile Hindoos.^ Conformably to their actions,
they are transposed into such bodies, whether
of the human or brute species, as their conduct,
whilst they occupied their former tenements,
may have merited. They do not admit of eter<
nal punishments, and shudder at the idea of a
belief so disconsonant to the opinion which

• they have formed of the Supreme Being.

Evil dispositions, they say, are chastised" by
a confinement in the bodies of those animals,
whom they most resemble in their nature ; and
are constrained to occupy them, till their vices
are either eradicated, or sufficiently qualified to
deserve the possession of superior forms. The
g'ood actions of roan, the Hindoo law-giver has
written,- w by his admission into

thusse-'btifdfes; which enjmy ntofst hutnan-i^p- ,

^'.pi'ness'; as fhat.which^theiiRi'agwtete^fi^^ on the
jusCand inerafwl'esechtiofi'jof the trust which'
'has 'been coBimitted/to him;:j ..'wAat' high' sense
".of pteitsure' which^Tlie"/maEf. 'of •: ■hiimaaity:'=pajrti'*

• aipates, when he has ai|ej(?ialed tlie distresses of
tito unfortahate, or ’ otherwise proihbt®d tins
welfare of manicii!itl.---^Af^(5^ a certain series 'of

roRSTEE’s TEAYELS.

51

transmigration, rendered acceptable to tbe
Deity by a pursuit of virtue, and when his soul
shall be completely purified from the taints of
evil, the Hindoo is admitted to a participation
of the radiant and never-ceasing glory of his
first Cause *. The soul’s receiving this act of
bliss, is described by comparing it to a ray of
light, attracted by the grand powers of the sun,
to which it shoots with an immense velocity,
and is there absorbed in-the blaze of splendour.

Yum Durm Rajah officiates in the same capa-
city amongst the Hindoos, as Minos did in the
infernal regions of the ancients. All spujg
liberated from the body, are supposed to appear
at the tribunal of Yum Durm, where theirfbrmer
actions are proclaimed aloud, and examined b^
this judge, who passes an immediate sentence.
Should the disposition of a man have been so
fiagitiously depraved, as to be judged unworthy,
even of an introduction into the body of the
vilest animal, such corporal punishment is im-
posed on him, as may be thought adequate to
his crimes; and the soul is afterwards placed in
some suitable station on earth. According to
the religious tradition of thd Hindoos, Sree

♦ Tile uiiioB of the tuimaii sottl with the cllviae etherM
of the BRlyefse, m the amitiit <ihctrin« of aad'Tlato ;

blit it to exclude aay personal or consolOOs

See Oibbon’sj Eistorj^ Ychme p* ^0% in a mote.

^ E 2 '

52

EOESTEll’s TRAVELS.

Mun Narrain, since the creation of the world,
has at nine different periods assumed incarnated
forms, either for the purpose of eradicating
some terrestrial evil, or chastising the sins of
mankind*. The Hindoos worship a secondary-
species of deity, which they wildly multiply to
the number of thirty-three crores t, who, in their
different functions, are designed to represent the
numberless attributes of the Supreme Deity.

From the crowd of images which the Bramin
has placed in the temples of the Hindoos, they
have been branded with the appellation of idola-
ters, When this mode of offering supplications
or thanksgiving to the Supreme Being is dispas-
sionately examined, it will be seen, that a personi-
fication of the attributes of the Deity is not
unfitly adapted to the general comprehension.
Those (and they compose a great portion of the
people) who are not endowed with the ability of
reading the praise of God, can with facility con-
ceive a certain idea of his greatness, in contem-
plating a fignte, sculptured with many heads
and with many hands, adorned with every sym-
bol of human power, and beheld by all classes
of men with unfeigned reverence. The origin
of emblematical figures has long preceded the

^ According to the Hindoo a tmih fecwniittoii of

m yet expected.

f A ctore is a hundred h€k$.

3P0ESTEB.’S TEATELS.

use of letters. We find in the Spanish records,
that intelligence of the first arrival of the Euro-
peans on the coast of Mexico, was described to
Montezuma by figures painted on cotton cloth.
In a rude society, it was evidently a more easy
operation to convey an idea through the me-
dium of a figure cut in wood or moulded in
clay, than to invent an alphabet, and out of" it
compose a regulated assemblage of words, ne-
ccsiary for the formation of a written language.

The immense group of Hindoo gods enjoy
immortality, with which they are gifted by
drinking a water called Amrut, a mythological
beverage, bearing some analogy to the nectar
of Homer's deities. In the mythology of the
Hindoos is found an elegant description of nine
goddesses, resembling, in a certain degree, the
Muses of the ancients, in the nature of their oc-
cupations. There is also most picturesquely deli-
neated, the god of Love, who has a variety of
epithets, all significant of the unbounded sway
which he possesses over the hearts of men.
His common names are Kaum and Mudden, and
he is represented as a pleasing youth, armed with
a bow of sugar-cane, strung with the stings of
bees ; and five arrows, denoting the five senses,
each of which is baited with difiPerent qualities of
the poison of love. A picture w«s found at

54 FOftSTEK’s tXlAVELS.

Tanjore, when the fort w^as captured, riding on
an elephant*, whose form was composed of the
figures of seven young women, entwined to-
gether in so ingenious and whimsical a manner,
as to exhibit an exact shape of that bulky animal.
In the Bess f Eishwer Pagoda at Benares, is seen
a stone figure, well executed, of the god of the
Sun, sitting in a chariot, and driving a horse
with twelve heads, an evident allusion to the di-
visions of the ecliptic.

Without putting etymology to the torture,
or moulding to the shape of his system the de-
ceitful aids of chronology, the careful observer
might be enabled to trace some parts of the reli-
gious worship of the Hindoos into Egypt. He
would discover the sacred Bull or Cow of Sheva,
placed high in the holy legends of the Coptis ;
and he would see the Snake, one of the myste-
rious associates of Sree Muu Narrain, devoutly
revered by that nation, as the hieroglyphic of
wisdom and longevity. It wouM appear that
the onion,* mentioned by historians to be held in
such profound veneration amongst the Egyp-

^ It is also aid to represeai an Incarnated form of the

Deity.

f An abbrcfiated compound of or Biiben and Eishwer.

hi this temple, which Is dedicated to these two deities In conjuiu:*
hm, tittf sesiaries of both offer tip their prayers,

FOnSTEIl’S TEAVEIjS.

tians, is no less marked with reverence in ilin-
dostan ; where, though the use of a vegetable
diet is strongly inculcated, and, with not a very
large deviation, usually adopted, the onion is
forbidden to many of the sects; and in the
upper part of India, when an oath, on whicli a
matter of importance depends, is administered,
the Bramin frequently introduces the onion, to
tender the ceremony more sacred.

Ix comparing the religious worship of the
Hindoos with that of the ancients, the functions
of some of the Deities appear conspicuously
uniform ; and were itxpossible to procure a de-
scription of the occupations and various powers
of the Hindoo subaltern gods, it might be found,
that the group of the western pantheon had been
selected from the divine assembly of Brimha.
The Egyptians and the Greeks, in their com-
merce with India, through the chaunel of the
Eed Sea, have left, I have been sometimes in-
duced to believe, tokens behind them of their
connection with the Hindoos. In the collec-
tion of a gentleman at Benares are several va-
luable antiques, which were purchased by the
merchants of that city ; one of which, repre-
senting a matron, is cut in a manner blaring
every mark of Grecian skill; and ahoiKCr ex-
hibited Cleopatra in Hie act of beingf by _
•the asp. The same gentieman had an his pos-

56

fokster’s travels.

session a Medusa’s head, on an emerald, found
also at Benares, which being sent to England,
was unreservedly acknowledged to be the woi'k of
a Grecian or Roman master. Some years ago, a
high-finished cameo 'was procured at Guzerat,
whereon Hercules slaying the Nemean lion,
was executed with much taste and spirit. These
circumstances are adduced to sujjpoit a conjec-
ture, that, during the intercourse which existed
between the natives of Egypt and India, the
fornier might have introduced into their
country, with some of the rate and luxuriant pro-
ducts of Hindoostan, certain tenets and cere-
monies of Hindoo mythology. In endeavouring
to point out the track of these antiques, it is to
be noticed, that they might have found a way
into India in the cabinets of the hlabomctans,
wbo in the more early period of tircir empire,
were little less enthusiastic in the admiration of
Grecian productions and literature, than the
Romans, And it is a fact in need of no illus-
tration, that the revival of letters and the
arts, after the Roman world had been immersed
in Gothic ruin, received a powerful aid from the
princes of the Khaliphat,

My knowledge of astronomy is so confined,
that I am almost incapacitated from describing
the attainment of the Bram'ins in that science,
long before the Kera in which it flourished in the

porstjer’s travels.

57

eastern world. The zodiac, with its twelve
signs, is well known to the Hindoos, and they
have bestowed on the seven days of the week,
which commences with Sunday, the names of
the planets. The solar year *' of the Hindoos,
which is arranged in six seasons, consists of
twelve months, containing three hundred and
sixty-five days ; and once in the term of four
years an additional day is annexed for the com-
pletion of the earth’s precise revolutions round
the sun. Commercial transactions and writings
of correspondence are dated amongst the Hin-
doos according to the lunar, or Lumbut year,
which commences about the period of the vernal
equinox. The month is calculated from the
full moon, and is divided into thirty equal parts.
Those comprehending the moon’s increase, are
termed fBood, and the portion of its wain. Bole,
or Bood. On the third year of the Lumbut, an
extraordinary month is intercalated, for the in-
clusion of the time, required in equalizing the

^ The solar, or> as it is denominated by the Hindpos, the Luuk-
rantyear, begins on the lOihor Uthof April, and its months are
composed occasionally of 30, 31^, and days. The common
epocha of Hindoostan was estahiished by the Eajah ¥ickerum
Mhajeci> and founded 57 years before the birth of Christ. Some
Hindoo nations compute their time from other periods, as In Bengal;

‘ but their historical writings are genera% adapted to the year of
Viefeemm Mhaject ; who was much celebrated dn Hindoostan* for
his magnificence, and libera! protection of mm of genius.

58

fOJtSTL’Il’s TttAVELi.

lanar and solar systems. The Joagucis are di-
\'5ded into cycles of twelv'C and sixty years,
each of which is distinguished bj its peculiar
denomination *. The observatory at Benares,
though rude in its structure, and containing
instruments suitably coarse, proves not^vith-
standing, that the Hindoos possess the know-
ledge of ascertaining the motions of the hea-
venly bodies. Could access be obtained to such
records of the Hindoos as are divested of that
redundancy of fable with which their priests
have so copiously interwoven them, it would
not be presumptuous to suppose, that we would
discover they had been, in the more early ages
of the worlcj, one of the most enlightened and
powerful nations that inhabited the earth.

The empire of the Hindoos, as related in
many of their historical tracts, consisted of fifty-
six separate principalities, ultimately governed
by one prince, -whose kingdom extended from
the southern limits of Tartary to the island cif

* Th6 HiB4oos» I believe, conimoBiy class their time in cycles
of sixty years, though that of twelve is also well known to them.
Amongst some articles of plunder, captured by the Company^
troops in BaEtan Fort, was found, with other objects the
Hindoo worship, an Image of the JSHiah Deve, and a printed
representation of the %ures desoribing the Tartar cycle^ which
is composed of years. This figurative mode of mashing time,
which has prevailed from high aniiquity In Japan, tliina. Slam, and
ihrough the vast regions of Tartary, i$ at this day observed in th«
Ihirhkli Empire. -

forstee’s travees.

59

Ceylon, and from the confines of Assam and
Arracan to the river Indus. This extensive
space was inhabited by a people who were di-
vided into four distinct tribes, each exercising
ditferent functions, but all uniting in their %='a-
rious branches to promote the general good. It
abounded in fair and opulent cities, vvliich were
decorated with magnificent temples for the wor-
ship of the gods ; and with sumptuous mansions,
gardens, and fountains, for the pleasure and the
accommodation of the inhabitants. Useful and
elegant artisans, skilled in raising stupendous
buildings, in fabricaiting gold, silver, and the
most delicate cotton cloths, and in the curious
workmanship of precious stones and metals, all
found encouragement in the exercise of their
professions*. , Salutary ordinances directed the
Hindoos in the punishment of crimes and the
security of property ; and when some daring
. indulgences in favour of the sacred trite are
excepted, we must yield an unreserved appro-
bation to the justice and \yisdom of their laws.
The traveller was enabled to journey through

# 'tliis description may be judged chimerical and extravagant
by those who Jiare not witnessed Uie construction of the ancient
Hindoo monuments, or examined the History of their empire when
it first belonged to tiie Mahometans. I’hese soldiers are repre-
sented to have been fascinated by the display of its grandeur, and
to have stood amazed at the treasures that were dfedosed. Vide
How’s Relation of the Plunder of the Samnaut Temple.

60

FO ester’s travels.

this extensive empire, with an ease and safctj’,
nnknoAvn in other countries. The public roads
were shaded with trees ; and frequent habita™
tions, accommodated with a pqnd or well, were
founded for the convenieiicy of the passenger ;
and should he have been pillag-ed in any part of
the country, the district in which the damage
had been sustained, was obliged to make resti-
tution.— When this empire, its polished people,
and the progress which science had made
amongst them, are attentively considered ;
w'hon, at the same period, a retrospective view
is thrown on the states of the European world,
then immersed in, or emerging from, ignorance
and barbarity, we must behold Hindostan with
wonder and respect; and we may assert without
forfeiting the claims of truth and moderation,
that, however far the European world now out-
strips the nations of the East, the followers of
Briinha in the early periods of life, were posses-
sed of a fund amply stored with valuable mate-
f ial's of philosophy atni useful knowledge. The
humane mind will naturally feel a sense of sor-
row and pity for a people> who have fallen from
so conspicuous a height of glory and fortune,
and who probably have contributed to polish
and exalt the nations, who now hold them in
suhjectiom.

To form an accurate judgement of the geniiis

FOHStEa’s TRAVEL?,

61

of tlie Hindoos, or to describe the limit to which
thej extended art and science, it were requisite,
could the necessary materials be procured, to ex-
hibit the condition of their empire, before it had
felt the severe and victorious arms of the Maho-
metans.— A partial and degrading relation would
be made of the Hindoos, were a description of
their laws, government, and manner, taken from
the appearance they make at this day in the
eye of the world. Hindostan was overthrown
by a fierce race of men, who in their rapid course
of conquest, exerted the most furious elForts in
levelling every monument of worship and taste.
They massacred the priests and plundered the
temples, with a keenness and ferocity, in which
their first chiefs might have gloried. A people
thus crushed, groaning under the load of oppres-
sion, and dismayed at the sight of incessant cruel-
ties, must soon have lost the spirit of science, and
the exertion of genius; especially as the fine arts
were so blended with tlieir system of religion,
that the persecution of the one, must have shed a
baneful influence on the existence of the other.
To decide on, or affix, the character of the Hin-
doo, from the point of view in which he is now
beheld, would, in a large degree, be similar to the
attempt of conveying an exact idea of ancient
Greece, from the materials now prcj^nted by
that wretched country. The disqui^lion of the

6S

rORSTEB’S TRAVELS.

man of philanthropy, liberated from the fetters
of prejudice, will be far different : — he will enjoy
congenial pleasure, in dispelling the shade of
obscurity, which hath long enveloped the his-
tory of the Hindoo: he will endeavour to carry
it back to thatasra of grandeur, which his coun-
try enjoyed in her day of prosperity, and there
hold him out to the information of mankind ;
the generality of whom, whether from motives
of contempt, or habits of indolence, have yet
acquired but a trivial and incorrect knowledge
of this ancient people. It will then be seen,
that the g-euius of the Hindoos was happily led
on and that their bent of disposition was apt-
ly regulated and attempered by the rules estab-
lished for the performance of their several pro-
fessions. A precision which repelled the en-
eroachments of error or design, prescribed to
them their respective duties in the state, and in
society, and wholly precluded any other sect
from infringing on the privileges of another.
The Bratniti was invested with the tineontrol-
led guardianship of religion ; he became the
perpetual medium, through which the infe-
rior classes addressed their god : be was also,
the sole depositary and instruetor of science^
and to his care and ability was intrusted the
education of youth.' The importance of thesae.
.',o#jeeS:-must have v.';gtven'''-,:to": the,' .Bramin' 'great.

Forster’s travels. 6S

sway in a community where a knowledge of re-
ligious worship, from its complex variety, be-
comes a task of arduous labour ; and where, at
the same time, a performance of the rites of
his religion, is deemed an obligation indis-
pensably incumbent on the’ Hindoo, in his ac-
quisition. of future happiness. These employ-
ments were judged of sufficient magnitude to
occupy the whole attention of the Bramin,
and he was strictly interdicted from all tem-
poral affairs. The authority of exercising the
functions of royalty, seems to have devolved
without reserve on the ’Chittery or Hajah, and
his possessions were held heretlitary in the hue
of legitimate male primogeniture. The youngest
branch of this race was employed in the army,
and entrusted with the charge of the forts and
strong holds of the country. The occupation
of a merchant, with the transactions of traffic,
was cosEnmitted to the Bhyse, or Banian, and
it was declared unlawful for the other tribes
to engage in commerce. The husbandman,
the artisan, the private soldier, and the la-
bourer, cbmpdse the Looder, or the fourth cast
of Hindoo ; and each of these respective pro-
fessions was exclusively pursued. Thus, dis-
tinctly arranged,' aud^- on 'the; severest' "penalties
prohibited from extraneous mixture, or the ad-
mission of proselytes, the Hindoo government

rOESTEE’s TSAVELS.

6i

acquired an uniformity and vigour, the natural
result of its principles*.

Were an analogy ascertained between the
roytliology of the Hindoos and Egyptians, per-
ceptible traces of which are occasionally pre-
sented, it might then become a matter of
doubt which people, for the greatest space of
time, have been the most polished and enlight-
ened. From the examples which have been
brought forward for the explanation of some
of the most conspicuous parts of the mytho-
logy of the Hindoos, and to demonstrate the
probable antiquity of that nation, it may seem
that I favour the belief of Egypt’s having re-
ceived a portion of her stock of science and
religion from India. With a deference to po-
pular opinion, and disclaiming all fabrication
of system, I must avow an inclination to this
opinion. One fact amongst some others, af-
forded me a fair proof of the hig'h antiquity of
the Hindoos, as a civilized nation, and marks-
a strong disapprobation of pa • foreign Jntei*
course. .

t

Many of the fences that piarkcd the limits of the respective
tribes^ are now broken, down. The Bramins of the Decaii and
Punjab have taken \\p 'the 8Wotd> and tivk seen crowding tho
qi an army ; the Chittery occaatoally takes hiras# to.ttate ®wd
thf Sooder has become the inheritor of principalltiat Mirarovii,
the gallant Marietta officer and chief of Ghooty^ was. of the fourth

rOHSTER^S TRAVELS. 63

TH£y are forbidden to cross the river Attoc,
the name of which, in certain dialects of their
language, signifies prohibition ; and should
they pass this boundary, they are held unclean,
and in the strict sense of religious law, forfeit
their rank in the ti ibes they may be classed in.
They were also, either forbidden from embark-
ing on the ocean, or tljey were deterred from
undertaking marine expeditions, by the diffi-
culties incurred in procuring at sea, the requi-
-site diet for a Hindoo. The probability there-
fore is not apparent, that any part of a people
fenced in by this restriction, and who were so
proudly centered in themselves, as to reject
with abhorrence, the admission of proselytes^
would have emigrated into a distant country,
and brought from thence a system of religious
worship; nor does any probable tradition autho-
rize the belief of an Egyptian colony having
beCjn established in India. ,The capacious space
which Uindoftan occuiMes on the face of the
globe, the advantages it derives from soil and
climate, and from its numerous rivers, some of
|^en» of the first. class of magnitude, may be
adduced as reasonable arguments oC ifs haying
been peopled at a more early period of <taa?e
than Egypf;, which does not possess like
local benefits. If the degree of |crfectioa
which mannfi^tniei have attain^ be asemved
voi.. 1. f

m

JOHSTEB’s TKAVEtS.

as a criterion to judge of the progress of civi-
lization, and if it be also admitted as a test of
deciding on the antiquity of a people, who
-adopt no foreign improvements, little hesitation
would occur, in bestowing the palm of prece-
dence on Hindostan, whose fabrics of the most
delicate and beautiful contexture, have been
long held in admiration, and have hitherto stood
tarivalled. Let me conclude this comparative
view, with observing, and I trust dispassionately,
that when we see a people possessed of an ample
stock of science of well digested ordinances,
for the protection and improvement of society —
and of a religion whose tenets consist of the
utmost refinement, and variety of ceremony —
and, at the same time, observe amongst other
Asiatic nations, and the Egyptians of former
times, but partial distributions of knowledge,
law, and religion — we must be led to entertain
a supposition, that the proprietors of the lesser,
have been supplied from the sources of the
greatef ^d. These reflections which have been
furnished by ttperieiice and various information,
will perhafst alibrd more satfefaction, than the
laboured and perplexed proofs of dates and ety-
mology, whioh alt often framed, as they most
commodioiisly accord with some favo wite hypo*
thesis. '1 ' • • ‘ ‘

f'ORSTER’s TEAVEI-S.

67

Amongst the Hindoos, tnarriage, * when it
can be performed with any degree of conve-*
niency, is deemed an indispensable duty, and
it is believed, that propagating the species in
that state, entitles parents to singular marks of
the Divine favour. They shew a disapprobation of
celibacy by many marks of opprobrium and scorn ;
and I have frequently observed, that when a
Hindoo, fiom question, or other causes, has‘beeu
brought to the affirmation of his single state, he
has appeared disconcerted and ashamed, and im-
mediately attributed his solitary condition to ill
fortune, or some domestic inconveniency. It
is to this institution, which 4s strongly recom-
mended, and, I may say, even enforced, that
the generally extensive population of Hindostan.
and its speedy recovery from the calamities of
war and famine, may be largely ascribed. The
entire system of domestic ordinance and cpco-
nomy ctf the Hindoos, is founded on a firm, yet
simple basis ; from which arise effects, happy in
themselves, and powerfully operative in uniting
the bonds of society. By the ancient laws of
thefcothtry, the wife depends for the enjoyments

^ This ia tijp Sament language^ m otew termed

Caifan, which |>k«ire. The Stedom, in ccuowioii tmge,
haTe lull 0m awl life wde is lettated jewsi-'

deired a, Sf wfc of tedeceiicy. Thete is a, nt, tlm^
of oaM Jogoees^ pr Bjmghces,, who totJki a slate

68

FOESTEE’s tSATEES.

of every pleasure, as well as for most of the or-
dinary accommodations of life, on th,e. imme-
diate existence of her husband ; and it becomes
her invariable interest to preserve his health, as
much of her happiness is centered in his living
to an old age. On the demise of the husband,
the wife virtually devolves into a caput mortmim}
she is not permitted to marry again, she is de-
prived of all consequence in the family, and di-
vested of the marks of ornament and distinction.
There are certain religious ceremonies not law-
ful for her to perform, and in some instances,
she is held unclean ; but on all occasions, after
the husband’s death, the widow is classed in the
hoqse as a slave or a menial servant. — But this
usage has not so genjjrally prevailed in latter
times. The wives of the deceased Hindoos have
moderated that spirit of enthusiastic pride, or
impulse of affection, which was used to urge
them to self-destruction on the pile of their hus-
bands. Their grief can now be assuaged, and
their religions = duties rectmdW, , by a pwtlci-
pataoh’of domestic comforts ; and many of the
Hindoo widows, especially in the Mai-faatfta
country, have acquired by their ability, their
wealth, connection, or ihtrigue, the posaessioa
ofextensive power and ittflheneie. . '■ Amongst tile
superior tribes ■df _the Hiiidt«»,_*VKe#e tie
'‘df honour or sfiEii^'Is hadJi

rOSSTEK’s TEATEtS.

€9

Tatlier tlian suffer a degradation, by wbicb fe-
male attractions are extinguished, nnd the pride
and spirit of the sex depressed, the M’^omen are
impelled, by a furious courage, softened by the
term of matrimonial affection, to terminate the
misery of their condition in death. According
to a passage of the Shaster of the Hindoos,
which I examined by the help of an interpreter,
it is specifically ordained, that a wife ought to
burn herself at her husband’s death ; should she
not possess the resolution of sustaining this trial,
she is directed to make a pilgrimage to some of
the sacred places of Hindoo ablution, as Benares,
Allahabad, ,Ghyab, &c. and there, appropriating
her property to charitable uses, offer up a sacri-
fice of her hair to the memory of her husband.
She is not to decorate her person with jewels,
with goldj silver, pt any female ornament j she
is npt to use peifumes, noj* eat flesh, fish, or but*
ter i ,btt| to Jive on plain barley or wheaten bread,
and eat but once in a day. Her time is to be
employed in the constant worship of God, and,
the purification of her mind, fropn anger, malice,
andfciwpricettatid she is to withdraw herself from
all the i©i>|ice5n»s of the world.. If he? life is pas-
s^,in, these actSf she is promised after death to
©ateriiJheayen, .without suffering intfrmedSale
, In a4di|i»a: the dread
gi»d<^ a of, t|e oft

rOESTSK’s teavels.

T0

the other side is told by the Bramins, that ibe
performance of the act of self-destruction will
entitle her to an ample participation of exquisite
future joys, and will ensure to her progeny the
pre-eminent favour of tlie Deity. Though the
issue of such a resolution forcibly aftects those
feelings of humanity cherished amongst Euro-
pean nations, yet as the usage appears to ori-
ginate in a cause tending to strengthen domes-
tic policy, it ought not to be hastily condemned,
or imputed altogether to the dictates of cruelty
or injustice.

Conformably to the state of subordination in
which Hindoo women are placed, it has been jud-
gedexpedipnt to debar them the use of letters, i he
Bimiods hold the ‘invariable language, that ac-
quired accoCTplislrtoents are npt nectesfeary to the
domestic classes of the female sex, whether for
contributing to her individual happiness.' or
preserving the decorum of character, and sim-
plicity of manners, which alone render her use-
ful of lamiable,' dfe tire ^stTOatiM^of her ftimily.
They ter^thit'a knowledge bf liferature would
Conduce to dra^ a- wOfean from her household
cares, and ‘givd a disrelish to those offices, in
which 'the only satisfactlod aird ‘amuse* "

menti that ‘she <lfaHi"'With pitlp^etyi 'tod 'an ob-
servance of lectitfide, partake* of; and w
dhe Atoo ^ a /ISidiso w&mm

3?0ESTEIl*S TOAVELfl.

71

would incur a severe reproach, were it known
that she could read or write. The Hindoo
■dancing girls, whose occupations are avowedly
devoted to the public pleasure, are, on the con-
trary taught the use of letters, and are minutely
instructed in the knowledge of every attraction
and blandishment, which can operate in com-
municating the sensual pleasure of love. These
women are not obliged to seek shelter in private
haunts, nor are they, on account of their profes-
sional conduct, marked with opprobrious stigma.
They compose a particular class of society, and
enjoy the avowed protection of government, for
which $hey are assessed according to their se-
veral capacities. No religious ceremony or fes-
tival is thought to be completely performed, with-
out the accompaniment of dancing women. They
usually aWe«d cn a certain day of the week, at
the court of the prince or governor of the dis-
trict, either to make an obeisance, or exhibit a
professional entertainment j and in some of the
provinces, they are endowed with grants of the
public land# *

UWi 'a*. I t

dawsi»g<*v<w» m hm allu4e4 W,
tbese wjio wist (wlycji is » c®.

xmmm of recdv® a ftw |#«

KjSEijfijipfi frf ^ iis»ea

iff ^ jeteroesase ’«#i , ,B«t

y ei» Ml w(p«irek,<«y i^ewi^eet

se|»caS, are iiWlie tess 4issdate and abandonednk ttfeSr Wnts
than a female of siinUar description

72

7q»ster’s travels.

Ats Hisruoo family is governed with efficient
power by the male senior member, to whom the
■other branches shew an attentive respect, and in
domestic life a ready submission, A son will
not sit in the presence of his father without exf
press desire, and in his deportment and conver-
sation, observes to him a dutiful, as well as affec-
tionate, behaviour. In the course of a long re-
sidence in India, and rather a close investigation
of Hindoo customs and raatiners, J never dis-
covered what out language has termed a free-
thinker The most celebrated characters
amongst the Hindoos, and tlieir men of the
world, as Scindia, Nanah Purnawees f, and the
Bhohulla, believe the tenets of the doctrine of
Brlmha with as much sincerity, and practise the
minutest ceremony with as much scrupulous at-
tention, as the simplest or most bigoted peasant
in the country.

I am. Dear Sir,

, Yours,

* There are some schismatic septs foty d amongst fhe Hindoes, and

men cM%m of that fkeople^ who rej€ct the authority of the Balds,
aftd the whole eoutocWiidf Suythdl'oiy ; hu# howe tet* pure
the origlml uetdde Jof thislr wt)r^3d|r udght haw heeu, it#
with m4 tohiteiu* ^ The

hfgueh M time sectaries# iPoOje; l^^swei

^object tf €# tliii Bamru# m

'SaRSTEft’s TEA YEW,

n

LETTER HI.

Benarcx, 30tk November, 1782.

My Dear Sir,

On the 3fl of this month, I
niade an excursion to Bidgi-ghur,* a place ren-
dered famous in thS Bengal annals, from a large
amount of plunde,r acquired there bj the En-
glish troops. On the first day, I arrived at Lut-
teef-ghur, about 18 miles to the scpth-west of
Benares. The fort was entirely deserted, and
the passage approaching to it is almost choak-
ed up by Brushwood, and the projected branchef
of trees. Lutteef-ghur stands in the centra of
a circular rahge of hlllii,, from the summk of
which, a thick, and in most places, a high
wood, reaches to the walls of the fort. The
air^of this spot being deprived of a quick ch-
has acquired a malignant quality^ ah^
coramunicates its pernicious jnftnence to w pi-

‘ i , < *■ fi ■> , ■. <* ; ilfl'

^ hid|pi_^and lu3tJ®^ng to lie My%ah^ <d
fc^-wh«!b<a* ftie

^'ohsteh's teavees.

mal bodies. It is in these situations, where, as
it is termed, the liill fever is produced : — a
disease, which pervading every part of the ani-
mal oeconomy, contaminates the whole mass
of blood, and will only yield to the power of
mercury. The water also in such, places par-
takes of the like baneful property ; — it should
seem that the air infuses into this element, a
certain portion of that pestiferous c|ua!ity, with
which the climate of %vopfiy and confined coun-
tries in India is ever pregnantl The falling of
the branches and leaves into rivulets and reser-
voirs of water; may likewise increase the
noxious effect. Having frequently witnessed
the ill effects of a confined air,. I am the more’
emboldened to hazayd these conjectures 5 which
I wiH close with noticing to you, that where-
<ever I have observed an impurity of air, the
water has been equally pernicious.

At the gate of the fort, had taken up his
Ipnejy residence, a Mahometan.' Faquh, who
oh him,;;.:ppor : I, .;eyideht proofs' 0^' ''the
'di^trnotivr^cIhn^iS'', of'-Hutteeffghur ; — bf was
meagre,.. wan,,._,ahfi'; yearly, hd'naumed byThe' vio-
denchof 'a''fever'aSd''"ague,''''''’A^eh I desired him
toTeave/,;SO''meIattchoIya''''sfatid'hj. and go 'where
..^•.Hiigljt:.., fecoy|||^h^r;^f^^ shewed- little;
»tten*i0»’ to the adkioe* -he said»

;aa';.:eSii«:tence,dB;-th'is'ipI»c4 stand ' ■

■POHSTEK^ TSAVlfcS,, 75

•{

sery and the precarious charity of passengers,
to the risk of starving in places where he might
be wholly unknown.

On the 4th, after a journey of about twenty
miles, I arrived near tlve foot of Bidgi-ghur
hill, M'here I slept, and in the morning walked
up to the fort, which is a circumvallation of
the crown of a rocky hill, measuring from the
immediate base to the summit, a little more
perhaps than two miles.

The artificial fortification is neither strong,
nor is it composed of substantial materials, as is
seen by a fissure of the /^ll, caused by the raips
of the last year, and also- by a breach that
was made during the siege; which shew that
the wall is chiefly composed of rough stones cer
mented with clay. This stronghold owes its im-
portance solely to its height and steepness ; apd
had it been defended with a commrm share #f co^
duet and spirit, the capture wnulA been

attended with much diflSculty and hloodshed.
It has been said indeed, that exclusively of the
hazardous attempt of taking Bidgi’^httr by
’-'-the. greater part of the troths whnld
'■ltav«!.'"'|ffien ' d.estroyed ^by ■, fevers ' bad? tbey-’re*^
jnaineddn thal:;qn'artser.a^';monthicaiger;' r;.;Tliree'
deep' rfssfervcirsi ?. ::es::ca’rabed ewar-th® topeif ibbMIb
ptentifnlly anpply -jibe • garrison^

Some . shia.iitre

76 FOSStES’s TRAVELS.

supported by branches of the rock, which project-
ing horizontally eight or ten feet from the summit,
holds out in the air a solid foundation. The
prospect around is diversified and picturesque;
but when you throw tlie eye on the deep and
rugged precipice beneath, the view is infinitely
grand, though not divested of that horror,
which naturally affects the mind in contempla-
ting objects from so abrupt a height. The ri-
sing and setting sun at Bidgi-ghur exhibits a
inagnificent scene, and excites a train of ideas
strongly impressed with a grateful admiration
of the first Cause of nature. The view of the
setting sun takes in the river Soane, which is
seed Binding its stream, brightened by the
ra^s of the western light; through a long tract
of div*e^sified couatryd A fort also appears on
the side of a distant bill, which is only brought
into the evening prospect.

' The village of Mow, situate at the bottom
of ^the'dldsoent, which before the capture of
®rdgi-^ghdr' was wdll peopled; and possessed a
Considerable corftinerce, is nbW' deserted and in
:^ins; This village, = ^ loss is severely felt

in man jf parts ofrthe country, aflforded the only
tnaitiOn that qnaf.tetToF''isuppIy fog ::the' wants 'of./;
tJselxwdeuii^^ineAintm^ who;''fesorted' thi-!
th^^and bartered .thpjr wares for the. produce
ol,t|i|ialaw.iattds.'.;jSiiuje4,5t&ev-‘^ pf .

Forster’s travels.

77

Mow, this commercial communication has ceased,
and the Benares traders maintain little connec-
tion with the inhabitants of the hills, who are a
hardy active race of men, and were they en-
Gom-aged like those of Bauglepore to enter into
our service, an useful body of soldiers might
be acquired. . They are not, it is said, subject
to that species of fever incident to a hilly coun-
try, which has operated so fatally on the health
of our troops; nor do they entertain those pre-
judices in their mode of living which affect the
higher ranks of the Hindoos, and which have
been found to embarrass military operations.
An introduction also of a foreign class of men
into the army, might be conducive, by its coun-
terpoise, to the insuring the fidelity of the'
whole body of native troops.

Bolwant Sing, through a channel of in-
trigue and direct dishonesty, qudities he npto*
-riously _pps^ssed, ;; seized ;0^ %<|g|7,ghnf,, ■'which
he Strengthened and niade the principal reposi-
tory of his wealth ; and Cheyt Sing,* who
augmented the works and increased the,treit§ptt?|»
constructed a strong bridge of stone oyer ^
small river that skirts thje bpttoni of the K^ll, |
lam, 'Dear. Sir,' ■■,;

. * TfacSoHof

‘hrriUfjff i',

•ts

FOSSTER’s TitAYELS.

tETtER m

To T. D- F. AllahalaJ, Hth Dec. 1782,

My DfiACt Sir,

H HE watit of a subject to
infbtm of aratise you, was the only cause of my
not sooner acknowledging your long and very-
kind letter. You may with confidence believe,
that a forgetfulness of the many ofiices of friend-
ship which i have experienced at your hands,
will never be classed in the roll Of ihy offences,
tvhich, drOd knoDrs, already is too long a one !
and trust me when 1 say, that I hold the con-
nection which has so long subsisted between
us, as the chiefest honour and credit of my life.

I lM hOw to m you, that having resolved
'hft''prOGe^ihg:tO;Europ'ehy''ahorthfern;'tfact,'' 't
Assumed tke naihe of a Georgia,n, for the sake of
travelling with mOre safety, and Icjft Benares on
the ISth of this month, mounted upon a smaijl
'horse.;'' 'After ;a-'jpura'ey^'' of / 'Ifo af ' days, ..pf forty
.CQssses, in" w-hi'ch'.'no"';': particular, 'occurrence',' fell'
Otth ' I jarrived at Allajatahad* About mid-way
oompaences ’thh territory -.of'

t'ORSTER^S TftATELS.

T!)

mediately distinguished from that of Benares by
its barren and desolate aspect. The fortress of
Allahabad, founded by Acbar,* stands on the
point of land which forms the confluence of the
Ganges and Jiimma; — a situation beautiful as
it is commodious ; and in the season of the year,
when the flow of water is spacious and lapid, ex-
hibits a scene of uncommon grandeur. On one
side, the Ganges is seen rolling dow^n a strong
and yellow tide, and on the other, the Jumma
glides with a clearer stream close to the walls of
the fort. To this favourite and sacred spot a*
large assembly of Hindoos resort at an annual
period, to tvash away their sins, and obtain per-
mission to begin a new score. These pilgrims,
who are laid under contributions for participa-
ting this indulgence, furnish the yearl^^ Sum of
about 50,000 rupees to the Vizier’s treasury.
The fort of Allahabad, >yhicli is built of stone,
OcctJpies a large space of ground, and has been
amply supplied with superb and useful buildingg^
whether for promoting the pleasures or con-
veniences of life. The pkge intitled the Ghali
Fiidshilf is one of the best Mahometan man*
siona I have hitherto seen ; but the want of
suitable tenants has occasioned great disord«s

)i „ ^ I f

^ Thm Emfteroi conimeaced hk la iu D* 1 «i4

80

“porster’s travels.

m it The inside of its upper room is con-
structed of marble of variegated colours, and
neatly adjusted. From this apartment, the
lord of the Avorld, as he is intitled by his sub-
jects, hath a distinct view of twelve ditferent
suits of female apartments ; in the front of
which, when the monarch issues the mandate,
his beauteous handmaids are arranged in his
sight, that he may select the fevourite of the day.
The imperial choice, or rather edict, (to what
humiliations do the laws of Mahomet subject ye,
my fair friends !) is conveyed to the fortunate
damsel, and full joyously doth her heart beat,
who on tire d ay of review attracts the fancy of her
lord ;-^for the passion of vanity is said often-
times to supply in a; female breast the place of
love, i should not dislike, my friend, to be a
Padshah myself, were it not that many of them
have had their throats cut by their friends, and
been compelled to drink very bitter potions;
since liable to such treatment, much good may
their fine ladies and other fine things do them !

In the palace yard stands a round pillar of
about forty feet high, consisting of an entire
stone, which coarsely resembles the porphyry,
and seems covered with, an ifseription, « the
ancient Hindoo character; but the lettersgte so
mucli - effaced, and 'impaired'' ^ fey; of ■

■tiift'e, .which, m'y ■'■friend,., '

■toestek’s travels.

Sh

h]e, that they are hecome illegible. The
erection of this monument is attributed to
Beemshyne, who, your Bramin will tell you,
was in his day a powerful chief, and one of the
principal warriors in the Mhah Bhaut.* But as a
devout believer, you must not repose too much
faith on the Bramin’s account of the asra in
which this Beemshyne is said to have flourished ;
for he will tell you that our great progenitor
was not even heard of in those days. The
Mahometans, who as furiously destroyed every
monument and curious vestige not expressive of
their doctrine, as they were actuated by a blind
zeal in its propagation and support, have endea-
voured to claim the construction of this pillar,
and over the Hindoo record, they have en-
graved the names of many of their emperors
since the time of Babrf .

This pillar, which bears the mark of great
antiquity, clearly evinces that Allahabad was
a place of importance long before the sera of
the Mahometan conquest of India. We should
pass indeed a contemptuous, not to say an un-
just censure, on the understanding of the ancient

# The great wat which was carried on by the Faimch-paiui-DeYe»
or the compact of tire tlve Brothers, against Dwr-jodin, See Wl!-
kms’s. Gheeta*

f The iir^t Emperor of the race of Timor, who the tlirene

of HlnAsrtan.

rOL. I, '

SS FOESTER’s TEAVEtfS.

Hindoos, did we suppose that they had over-
looked a situation, at once so favourable to the
performance of their religious duties, and so
happily adapted to the enjoyments of life. Al-
most as many cities have been brought forward
by modern writers to prefer their claims to the
Polybortha of India, as of old, contested for
the birth-place of Homer, hlonsieur d’Anville,
the celebrated French geographer, seems to give
the palm to Allahabad. Strabo has made men-
tion of a grand causeway, leading from Poly-
bortha into the interior parts of the country,
and as such structures are durable and conspH
cuous, it is to be supposed that some remains
of this road would have yet been vjisible ; but
on a careful examination I could riot discover
its most distant trace. A mound of earth ap-
pears on the western shore of the Gauges, exten-
ding about a mile in a line with the river where
it approaches the fort, which has been evidently
tlirowB up to prcveutthe,tream intheKtlsousof
thefloods, froni overflowing or injuring the town.

Lv touching on the subject of Allahabad, it
is necessary to notice the tomb of Sultan Khus-
ro. This mausoleum, about a mile to the east-
ward of the town, stands in the midst of a spa-
cious garden inclosed with a high wall, and
well supplied with a variety of flowers and fruit
trees, but from want of culture they look rug-

i’orstek’s travels. 8S

ged and barren. Being clad in the Mahometan
habit, and intimating a desire to offer up my
prayers at the royal shrine, I was immediately
admitted. The public edifices of the Maho-
metans being constructed of the worst species
of what is termed the Gothic order, they can-
not afford much pleasure to the European eye,
which is now taught to regard only the more
simple and chaste proportions of art*. Yet the
tomb of Khusro, though comprising few of the
rules of architecture, hath in its appearance
something p..culiarly pleasing, and diffuses
around it an air of melancholy, congenially
suited to the purpose of its foundation. The
building is nearly square, raised from the ground
by a low flight of steps, and has a vaulted roof
in the form of a dome, whose outside is covered
with tiles of a fine clay, stained with a diversity
of colours, on which the reflection of the sub.
produces a pleasing effect. No fund being es-
tablished for supporting this monument, it can-
not long survive the numerous edifices now scat-
tered in ruins through the environs of Allaha-
bad. Adjoining to the tomb of Khusro, is one
of a smaller size, which a mendicant infor-
med me was erected in commemoration of one

* This opinion, does not presume to include the lamiBiKieirts at
Agra, which have deserved the warmest approhgdejt of ooc cele-
brated artists.

G S

8|. fOKSTEK’S tEAVELS.

of the female branches of the imperial family.
Some Mahometan priests who live in the garden,
keep the inside of the mausoleum decently clean,
and the different appurtenances are still in good
preservation, particularly the wooden bier in
which the body is said to be deposited*. Ob-
serving a small curtain spread on the wall, I
drew it aside, and must confess to you that I
was impressed with a very sensible awe, on dis-
covering the figure of an open hand, engraved
on black marble : when I adverted to the nature
of the place, and the use to which it had been
applied, I at first supposed that this representa-
tion denoted the hand, or the power of the
Deity ; but a farther recollection informed me,
that Mahomed, Ali, Fatimaf, Hussin, and lius-
sein, were described by this emblem ; and that,
in compliance with the law which excludes all
works of sculpture and painting from Mahor
raetan worship, it had been covered.

The Allahabad districts once paid into the
royal treasury a revenue of between seventy and
eighty lacks of rupees : but such is the impo-
verished and depopulated state of the Vizier’s
country, that it is at this day reduced to %
fourth of that amount. Shaistah Khan, who

Siiltan Khusrc^> theelcl^t sotiofTelnauquiri died A* 1622.

f Fatima, the daughter of Mahomed, was to Ali^ aiidliad

two Hussiji and Ilu^sdm

forstee’s ibatels.

85

•was appointed by Aurungzebe to govern the pro-
vinces of Bengal and Bahar after the death of
AmirJumlah*, hath left many monuments of
his liberality in the vicinity of Allahabad. On.
an insulated rock in the Jumna, near the city,
and at a small distance from the south shore, he
built a lofty apartment, which is cooled by the
refreshing winds of the river, and commands a
distant and wildly diversified view. A Persian
inscj iption which I transcribed, says that Maho-
med Shirreef, in the year of the Hegira
I055t, finished this airy seat of pleasure by or-
der of Shaistah Khan. — But from great men and
their splendid works, let me descend to more
trivial concerns, and to some account of my
private adventures.

India, you know, hath ever been famed for
affording convenient places of accommodation
to the traveller, who, at the distance of eight or
ten miles, seldom fails meeting with a public
lodging, or a reservoir of water, where he may
, perform his ablutions, and quench his thirst.
As the greater part of the inhabitants of India,
from a simplicity of life, and the clement state
of their climate, have but few superfluous wants,
a slight defence against the sun and rain, a
small portion of clothing, with plain food, con-
stitute a large share of their real ones. In

* The officer employed by Aurungzebe to opptose SulUn Shujali.
t A, D, 1645.

86

■poesteb’s teavem.

Upper India, the ceconomy of Karawaii Serali*^,
or, as it is usually called, the Serauce, is con-
ducted by better regulations, and its convenien-
cies more sensibly felt, than in the southern
parts of India. An inclosed area, the interior
sides of which contain small apartments, front-
ing inwards with a principal gate-way, is ap-
propriated, in every village of note, to the use of
travellers f . The stationary tenants of the Se-
rauce:];, many of them women, and some of them
very pretty, approach the traveller on his en-
trance, and in alluring language describe to
him the various excellencies of their several
lodgings. When the choice is made (which is
often perplexing, so many are the inducements
thrown out on all sides of him) a bed§ is laid out

^ Karavanserah is a P«rsec and Arabic compound of J^ar, signi-
fjiiigbimncss, ratvan the participle of the ’verb ruffeeng to go, move,
proceed, &c. and of sa^ahj an habitation. — ^Thc Tucktravan, a ve-
hicle used by travellers in many parts of Asia, is composed of the
words tmkt, a seat, or board, and the aforemontioued participle* I
have ventured to insert these etymologies for the use of those who
are not conversant in the Persian language.

f Shere S!|iah, who drove Eumaim from the throne of Delhi, in
1 542, is said to have been the first Mahomclan who established Ka-
ravanserahs in India. This fact, also recorded in Dow^s Mstory, is
well known amongst the natives. — Shere Shah built the fort of
llhotas, and the mausoleum of Sasscram.

I The serauces at this day are usually giycii in rent.

I This piece of furniture, of "very simple construction, has low
feet, wfti) the sides and ends formed of bamboo or common tough
Wood, and the bottom of laced cord^,

FOESTEB’s TBAYEIiS.

87

for bis repose, —a smoaking pipe is brought, and
the utensils cleaned, for preparing his repast.
The necessary sura is delivered into the hands
generally of a girl, who procures the materials,
and dresses his meal in a most expeditious-man-
ner. For two domestics and myself, the horse
and his keeper, the whole of ray daily expendi-
ture amounted to a sum, which as you will not
credit, I will not venture to note ; and on days,
when 1 was inclined to feast, the addition of two
or three pence procured a sumptuous fare, with
the accompaniment of a sauce, which an al-
derman over his callipash might sigh for.

Adieu, my dear Sir.

I am yours, &c, &c.

88 lORSTBft’S TKAVEIjf..

LETTER V.

To I. D. f. Lucknowy Isf January, 1783.

My Dear Sir,

My last letter to you, writ-
ten from Allahabad, contained some descrip-
tion of that place, with a farrago of desultory
remarks arising from the moment, and hastily
thrown together ; but should the perusal have
given a little amusement or information, I will
contentedly sacrifice any claims to genius or
method. — The following gives the detail of my
journey from Allahabad to Lucknow, and though
containing no matter of any substance, may
afibrd you half an hour’s relaxation.

Ok the 20th of December, — after attending
at the funeral ceremony performed in comme-
moration of Hussin and Hussein, or rathef of
the latter, I left Allahabad, and vrent no farther
that day than Beghum''’ Serauce, a station of

Beghum Is tlie feminine gender of Begh, as Khamim is that of
Khan ; both titles of Tartar esctraction : the latter has been often
attested by tihe female branches of the Imperial family of Timtif*

yOfiSTEE’s TRAVELS.

89

three cosses*. I will cursorily embrace this
occasion of informing you, that Hussin and
Hussein were the sons of Ali, the son-in-law
and nephew of the Arabian prophet. During
the war w'hich the first Mahomet maintained
against the Infidels (so the professor of the
new faith denominated those of a different
creed), Hussin was poisoned, and Hussein was
slain in battle. They consequently became
martyrs ; — and the tomb of Hussein, which
was erec ted in the vicinity of Bagdat, is held by
the Sheahsf in the same degree of veneration,
with that of their prophet, by the other Ma-
hometan sectaries.

On the 21st, — eat my breakfast artd sraoaked
my pipe at Tuttypour, or the place of victory.
On enquiry why a village so mean and small,’
had been distinguished by so great a name, I
was told, that in former times, some signal vic-
tory had been obtained there ; but my intelli-
gencer knew nothing of the parties concerned.
-—In the evening, having this day travelled six
cosses, I halted at Alum Chund, the north-west
limit of the Allahabad districts. The country
had a barren and desolate aspect ; the cause of

^ Two Britisli miles may be given to tiie average measurement
of a cos»*

t The Mahometans of the sect of Ali, are so oa|leA

DO

rOESTEH’s TEAVEES.

wliidi was ascribed to the rapacity of a former
renter. On entering the serauce, I found the
hosts with their spouses, busily occupied in the
celebration of a marriage. Whether it was
owing to the rare occurrence of this species of
ceremony (for they are a people as void of re-
straint or form as any under the sun), or whether
previous difficulties had till now obstructed
the union, I will not pretend to determine ; but
the joy and merriment which circulated in their
assembly, could not be surpassed. The men
were collected in a body, drinking arrack and
heating a tom-tom * ; and the women, in a se-
parate coterie, were chewing betle, and speaking
very loud Snd quick. Though this jubilee had
engrossed a great share of their atteatioir, they
gave me a good suppei', and a comfortable
lodging.

On the 22d, — I arrived at the Kurrah Manfck-
Pour, — eight cosses arfd an half. In my way, I
halted during the heat of the day at the serauce
of Shahzadpour, which, together with the town,
is said to have been built by the Shaistah Khan f,
mentioned in my last letter. This nobleman,
according to Bernier, was highly celebrated for
his eloquence, and elegant style of writing,

■ k

* A «mall 4rum,

^ f He ivaa tlie niatemai mcle o-f Aurimgjs^e-

FOBSTEr’s TBAVEtS.

91

wliich it is thought contributed to promote the
early success of Aurungzebe. The serauce of
Shahzadpour, built chiefly of brick and mortar,
lias spacious and commodious apartments, but,
from want of repair, one angle of it has fallen
into ruins. It is seriously to be lamented, that
edifices founded on principles of such public
spirit, or motives equally beneficial to the state,
and whose uses are so universally felt, should be
suffered to moulder into decay. It would seem,
that when the larger serauces were first founded,
certain portions of land, or other established
funds, were set apart for keeping them in neces-
sary order; but such has been the distracted
state of Hindosta'n for these later periods, and
such the oppressions, or perhaps poverty of its
rulers, that these grants have either been re-
sumed, or diverted into other channels. In stig-
matizing any specific class of men, I believe I
have committed an error ; for on a more dis-
passionate view, a large share of censure falls on.
the people at larger In India, ostentation, self-
loye, vanity, or whatever term may be best fitted
to the passion whose effects I mean to describe,
has usurped as powerful a sway , over the minds
of the people, as in any circle of the globe ; and
it is eJiemplified in various shapes, but in none
more than in the foundation of puMic works.
On observing once;, a Hindoo- of some distinc-

!}g

FOKSTEll’ti TUAVEI.S.

tion superintending the construction of a place
of worship, I asked him why, in a country
famed for its charitable benefactions, so many
old edifices allotted to the purposes of religion
and hospitality were permitted to fall to the
ground, which, had they been repaired, large
sums of money would have been saved, and
many a valuable monument of antiquity rescued
from oblivion ? He candidly told me, that, were
he to expend his whole estate on repairs, the
work would still retain the name of its original
founder ; but by the erection of a new one, it
would be transmitted to posterity in his own.
By this register of fame, it should seem that the
entire credit of constructing a pagoda, pond, or
serauce, will be given to him who first raised the
fabric, and no account taken of the occasional
embellisher of such structures. -^This digression
hath preverjted me from sooner inforffling you,
that to-day I lost my joad; instead of simply
going, to Manickpour, my place of destinatiori,
i went to Kurrah Manickpourj where I passed a
very unpleasant night. The air was intensely
cold, and my servants, Who pursued the right
road, carried with them my baggage and my
purse. The good woman at the serauce, bid,
though very active, kindly provided a supper
»t the risk of not beiiig paid, for I had advised
her of the mi.scarriage;' but she could procwb

foestek’s tkavees-

93

no succedaneum for a quilt, so that I was kept
shiveringly awake the whole night.

Adjoining to the village of Kurrah jManick-
pour, on a hill, are the remains of a considerable
fort. Amongst the ruins I observed some muti-
lated fragments of Hindoo sculpture, of the
same style as that seen on a curious monument
of ancient date in the neighbourhood of Benares.
Festoons of flowers are sculptured on this mo-
nument, which for the simple elegancy of the
design and taste, as well as the exact nicety of
the execution, may, in my opinion, vie with the
works of European masters. The Hindoos of
this day have a slender knowledge of the rules
of proportion, and none of perspective. They
are just imitators, and correct workmen ; but
they possess merely the glimmerings of genius*.

On the 23d, — crossed the Ganges at Gootree,
two miles below Kurrah Manickpour, and
arrived at Mustaphabad, — a stage of nine cosses.
Almas Ali Khan is the manager or renter of a
large tract of country lying on the south of the
Ganges, which appears in a less desolate state
than any other part of the Vizier’s dominions
which I have seen. From the ruins of Kurrah

* This observation is verified at a village opposite the city of Be-
nares^ at the gardens of Ramnagur^ where Cheyt Sing hafe erected
a large range of costly buildmgs^ in some of wMdb# fipres
are placed, of very awkward dimensions ai^d 4ull

94

FORSTEU’S TE.A'VELJb.

fort, the Ganges is seen winding beautifully
round the bottom of the hill, and on the north-
ern shore, immediately opposite, stands the vil-
lage of Manickpour. I found my servants at
jMustaphabad, to w’hom I referred the hospitable
hostess, who had been obliged to accompany
me so far, for payment of the last night’s
score.

Osr the S4th, — at Bareily,, a fortified town, —
12 cosses. The country from the last station
is much covered with jungle*, and where the
prospect opened, but little cultivation appeared,
except in the districts of Almas, which are but
comparatively well conditioned. I have seen
only a land of desolation, exhibiting the scat-
tered vestiges of former prospei'ity.

On the 25th, — at Doolindy,— 8 cosses. The
principal town of a district, rented by one of
the Vizier’s favourite Hindoos, who has laid out
a large garden at this place, in which are two
neat summer-houses.

O N the 26th, — at Saseindy, — 10 cesses. There
is little else to note than the wild appearance of
a barren country ; the revei'se of what I expect-
ed to See in the vicinity of a capital city.

On the 27th, — at Lucknow,- — 8 cosses, I took
a lodging in the Assrolf seraqce; and to prevent

9 * All forest wowl it India, is

05

Forster’s tRAVEts.

as much as possible the risk of discovery, I
discharged all my servants, except one, on
vdiom I could place a reasonable confidence.

Lucknow is a large and populous city, but
wholly inelegant and irregular. The streets are
narrow, uneven, and almost choaked up with
every species of filth. The Goomty, running
on the north side of the town, is navigable for
boats of a common size at all seasons of the
year, and falls into the Ganges between Benares
and Ghazepour. A line of boats, extended
across the river, forms a convenient communi*
cation with a large suburb. Shujali-ui-Dowlah
made Fyzebad, or Oude, the capital of his do-
minion ; but his son, setting aside that, with
many other of his father’s arrangements, has
fixed his residence at Lucknow,

Perceivistg that some of my neighbours
began to make inquisitjve remarks, I went
actoss the water, and procured a retired and
commodiqus apartment in the Hussen Gunge
serauce. • Having some business to transact at
Lucknow, previously to my journey to Europe,

I left my servants at the serauce, on pretence ,
of visiting the English camp, the general ren-
dezvous of idle strangers ; and went to the city*
Being desirous of seeing a gentlemaDj jWho I
understood was stationed there, I approached
the door of an officer’s quarter, and c{esire(|| thp

96

tokster's travels.

servants to acquaint their master, that a Moghul
merchant (of whom there are many at Lucknow)
requested permission to see him. Though the
entreaty was urged in the softest and most per-
suasive tone within the compass of my speech,
they flatly and roughly rejected it, saying that
their master was eating his breakfast. Anxious
to obtain the wanted information, I tried an-
other door which seemed less closely guarded,
but there also my prayer was preferred in vain ;
and having nothing in my pocket to strengthen
the argument, I was obliged to retire ; though
the day was extremely hot, and the distance to
my lodging was at lea^t four miles. This
occurrence, however productive of temporary
inconvenience, gave me a satisfactory proof of
the efficacy of my disguise, and the fluency
of my Mahometan language, hfany, I dare
say, are the unfortunate plaintiffs in our Indian
world, who, uriftbie to purchase a passage
through the gates of the great, are thrust away
by their rude and rapacious doajestics.— -In
returning, I saw another European house, into
which, by a fortunate change in the mode of
application, I procured admittance: for on
informing the door-keeper that my attendance
had been required, I was immediately condncted
to his niaster, %vha received me in the -kindest
■matgiier, and on many future occasions shewi?d

foester’s tkavei:.s.

ST

me marks of liis friendship. — During my stay
at Lucknow I lodged at the serauce, and though.
I remained there twenty days, in which time I
made many visits to the English gentlemen, no
one seemed to regard me with suspicion. My
landlady at first expressed a strong desire of
knowing the cause of my frequent excursions?
but not receiving, a satisfactory account, she
concluded that I had formed some female
intimacy. As this conjecture was favourable
to my plan, I encouraged it in the mind of the
good woman, who gave herself infinite credit
for the discovery;

I am, Dear Sir,

Yours, &c. Bcc,

98

70»STEll’s TKAVE

LETTER Vi.

Lucknow i January IQth, ITS®.

My Deak Sib,

Before i leave tlie terri-
tories of Assotf-ud-Dowlah, or, as he is often in-
titled from the rank he holds, the Vizier of the
Empire, I will throw together for your perusal
some brief remarks on the Oude government.

This country is bounded on the north, by
parts of Napaul and Siranagur ; on the east, by
the English possessions ; on the south, by the
Jumna; and on the west, generally by the Doab,
and the Ganges. The Oude territories, gene-
rally flat and fertile, are watei*ed by the Ganges,
Jumna, Gograh, Goomty, and Gunduck, ex-
clusive of many rivulets. These rivers flow
through most of the principal towns, and inter-
sect a large space of the country ; most of them
being navigable for boats, in all seasons of the
year. — ^The English armies may be plentifhlly
supplied with provisions and ammjmition, in the
i^ent of executing 'any military opeiutibh'in

FOKSTiB'S TBAVELS.' 99

that quarter. These rivers also present strong
harriers against the Marhattah, Seick, or Mog-
hul cavalry. The Vizier’s provinces, which
yield, it is said, at this period, a revenue of
about two millions sterling*, have gieatly de-
creased in produce since the death of Shujah-
iid-Dowlah. It would be presumptuous in me
to attempt an explanation of such decrease. It
was sufficiently mortifying, to observe the com-
mon effects of a destructive administration.
The inhabitants say, that the population of the
country is diminished, and that the commerce,
which in former periods was important and ex-
tensive, has fallen to decay. These evils, which
have contributed to the ruin of the most power-
ful states, and are now precipitating the ruin of
Oude, can only be eradicated by the strenuous
exertions of a just and wise governor : a cha-
racter devoutly to be wished for, in Oude. It
appears, that a large portion of th« amount now
paid by Assoff-ud-Dowlah into the Company's
treasury at Lucknow, is transported from thencq
in specie to relieve the necessities of Bengal,
now urgent in the extreme. Much of the wealth
also, which has been accumulated by the sfer-
vants of the Company residing in this lsoun|iy,
has been conveyed in a similar mode ; and the
gather#, steqagtjh fpjffit ,tbf 4:09 our
present oondeetioa Vith The

KS

100

Jj'obmer’s travels.

channels of commerce operate too tardily for
measures which require dispatch, and embrace
only the object of the day. If treasure can be
procured, no secondary aids are called in ; no
succedaneum is searched for. These drains, un-
supplied by any native source, must soon ex-
haust the vigour of a country, where, in addition
to the grievance, commerce is loaded with mo-
nopoly, and influenced by the hand of power.
The demand for bills on Bengal, which has been
pressing and continued, gave them often a value
of seventeen and a half per cent, on the Luck-
now amount ; a profit which enabled the ban-
kers to export the value in silvei*. — The re-
sumption of the Jaguir, or alienated lands, has
not been productive of the promised benefits.
The officers who enjoyed those benefactions,
were many of them men of expensive manners ;■
they promoted the consumption of valuable ma-
nufactures, and, possessing rank and distinctioHy
thfey maintained a numerous body of depettdentsi
Whethej* from a sticcessiooc of oppressive mana-
gers, or that the inhabitants do not experience
the fruita former liberality, it is evidently
seen, that the resumed districts are ill cultivated
and thiidy iahabited. , ,

* A flow of catmfiee 'wMiI&'bow fliorr <felS(lse^ ctepirtysttiV
M>atofectBres of tfe Bengal, bas reimoed tfajs piwjlsaai

tBfaiurjpiaf ceBt.

rORSTlR’S TRAYILS. . 101

liTTiE remains to be said of the Vizier’s mi-
litary establishment ; it being only useful in as-
sisting the coilection of the revenue, enforcing
the obedience of the lesser vassals, or furnishing
a guard for his person. The defence of the
country wholly rests on the forces of the English,
which are supplied according to emergency.
The troops at this time, amount to about eight
thousand sepoys, and five hundred Europeans,
with the requisite train of artillery. The trea-
sury of Assoff-ud-Dowlab is now low, but it is
said, that he has nearly paid off the residue of a
large debt, which had been accumnlating since
tbe period of his father’s death. It is to be sin-
cerely wished, that the measures pursued in fu-
ture, may redress the grievances of this country;
which though of such extensive compass, and
possessing so valuable a resource, bears the as-
pect of rapid decay : ai|d though its position,
and native weakness, might render allmiice
profitable to the English, no solid tenefits have
pithertp arisen from our connection with Oude,

I am,. Dear, Sir, ■ ,

' youjRsi,. '&C,'

102 fobstieb’s tratem.

LETTER VR.

FurrmLahail^ Jiutuarj 20tlt, 17S5.

My Deak Sir,

I NOW beg to present you
with a sketch of my route to Furruckabad,
wheje I purpose resting two or three days with
my countrymen, whom 1 shall not probably see
again until my atrival in Europe.

On the 18th at noon, I left my hostess’s
quarters at Lucknow, and after a warm and
dusty ride of seven cosses, halted at the village
of Nowill Gunge. The next day I arrived at
ly^eabgunge, a stage also of seven cosses; and
was much rejoiced to find that my little steed
continued to possess high health and vigour,
fie is endowed, I fear, with a too great predo-
minance of the latter quality, and that in its
worst sense; for if I am to judge from his car-
nal hankerings, and strong neighings of love
to every mare he sees^ it would too plainly ap-
pear that his life h^s ^not been of the chastest
u Jdnd. But as it is said, and in Holy Writ I Re-
lieve, that there is no wisdom under the gif-

FOESXJSR’g TBATELS.

ms

die, meaning, evidently, the girdles of the
lords and ladies of the creation, we may surely
excuse the wanderings and frailties of a poor
horse, whose passions receive no check from
constitutional modesty, or virtuous example.

• Meahguwge, if I am informed right, was
founded by Alinas, and seems to be a thriving
and populous village. From the various intelli-
gence which I have procured, it is evident that
the renter here is active, industrious, and regu-
lar. The inhabitants say, that his rigour in
collecting the revenue is, in a certain degree,
qualified by a steady observance of his con-
tracts. ■— I passed this evening in the company
of a Patan, who was returning to his home from
LuckiioW, where he had expended the greatest
part of his estate in the society of the ladies,
and in the pleasures of arrack ^ but in the last
he very copjously indulged. In the coufse of
two hours and a half, I beheld him with amaze-
ment empty two bottles of a spirit so harsh and
fiery, that the like dose must have turned the
head of an elephant. The Patan made an apo-
logy for this excessive potatioHj by abser-
ihg,' ' 'tha't"' it ■ removed ■ from his;inihd. .'every- :fen-
sation of sorrow and melancholy, passions^
,which,';:'hfe'''saidi -'greatly. -'annoyed-.-::b "in' ' his-
■dppler'.':, .morn'ents*:,"; ':::.This. ■'",jbvial:':---Bfahoinetaa,,
was attended by ' aJS oM musicki^ raWvcI--

1(04 yeR?T®B’» tbavem*

lously ill apparelled, and deficient in the larger
portion of his teeth, who, during the interludes
of his master’s apiusement, strummed on a mi-
serable guitar, which he accompanied with
some of Hafez’s odes ; but uttered in a voice
jthat would have struck dismay into the fiercest
beast that ranges the forest. — At this gunge,
p. servant whom 1 hired at Lucknow, and my
only attendant, carried oflP, in the night, my
jijatchlock and a curious dagger.

On the ‘iOth, at Banghur Mow, — 10 cosses,
— a large village in the district of Almas. — -
Here the Patan having drunk outali the substance
of his purse, sold a piece of family tin-plate; the
produce of which raised the sum of three ru-
pees. He took that evening an extraordinary
draught of his favourite spirit ; and, that hi?
pleasures might have no alloy, he called in a
good-natuifed girl, who for one half-rupee dis-
played to the Patan a more ample fund of dal-
liance and allurement, than could be purchased
% us for tifcnty at I^ucljnoy. -y He expressed
9 sovereign contempt for Adroas*, who he said
being prgcludcd frpm the pleasures of the sex,
dislik^ and discouraged them. Many of Al-
' paas’s wounded sepoys we:re brought intp tb?
jjserauce ^from ft fort ip the woods, w|ii^b

I 4 » - i

POBSTBB’s XaAYBBS.

lOS

l>een retiuced by him after a siege of six weeks.
These men were shockingly mangled. — Some
had balls lodged in their bodies, others were
scorched by a combustible matter thrown on
them during the attack. — Being possessed of a
few medical materials, I applied dressings to
such cases as could likely receive any benefit
fron the assistance ; and I was pleased to ob-
serve the successful effects of some of the ap-
plications. The want of chirurgical help is an
evil which affects, in a grievous manner, the
native military service of Hindostan, especially
since the use of fire-arms has become so preva-
lent ; and it will be no exaggeration to say, that
a greater number of the country troops are de-
stroyed by the effects of wounds, than slain in
immediate action.

After a long journey of l4i cosses, in which
I crossed the Ganges, and had nearly exhaust-
ed the strength of my horse, I arrived on the
SI St, at the ancient city of Kinnonge, situate on
the Callinaudy, a small river that falls into the
Ganges, about twenty miles below Furruck.
abad. Kinnouge, before the period of the Ma-
hometan conquest, tanked amongst the ihost
populous and opulent cities of Hindostan. It
is mentioned in testimony -of its gia.atde«r,' ’fh«fc
Kinnouge contained thirty thousand shops for
the sale of bctle, and afforded esaployaient for

106

¥OBSTEIl’s TfiAVELS,

six tliousaiid female dancers and musicians. — A
rast mass of ruins interspersed through a wide
space, marks the ancient extent and grandeur
of Kiunouge ; though few distinct vestig-cs
nofi^ exist, except some parts of a stone temple
erected in ancient times to the honour of Setah,
the wife of Ram, which has been exorcised by
some zealous IMahonietan, and converted into a
placeof worship. Thepicsent race of Indian Ma-
hometans not being fervent in the cause of re-
ligion, or-being, rather, supinely regardless of it,
(many of them holding the memory of Maho-
met ill as little reverence as they would that of
Thomas- a-Becket, had they ever heard of him,)
the mosque is now denied and abandoned. In
several cavities whicii the rain has formed, I ob-
served parts of brick wall, sunk twenty feet at
least beneath the level of the town ; and the
inliabitants say, that in digging into the foun-
dation, small pieces of gold and silver are often
discovered. They also say, that Kinnouge was
■otWie destroyed by an inundation ; but as few
Hindoo records are divested of mythological
story, slender uses only can be derived from
them. The Marhattas plundered this city, and
laid waste the ^jacent country, previous to the
battle of Panifrett.* - After this important event,

• It was fioMgbtia Fcferiiwy

FORSTEil’s TSAVEIS.

107

whicli gave a strengtli and permanency to tbe
J^fabometan power in Upper India, Ahmed Khan
Bungish, the chief of Furruckabad, took pos-
session of the districts of Kinnouge, which,
durino- his administration, began to emerge
from the ruin in which it had been long invol-
ved, and assumed symptoms of a recovery which

are now w’holly effaced.

Arrives on the 23d, at Khodah Gunge,—
nine cosses,-a village in the territory of Muz-
zulfer Jung, the adopted son of Ahmed Khan;
but no more like the father, -excuse the phrase,
^than “ I am like Hercules. " -This young
man, averse to, or incapable of business, is a
tributary of Assoff-ud-Dowlah, wbo by the high
fine he has imposed on Fnrruckabad, may be

said to govern it himself.

On the S4th,-at Furruckabad-nine cosses.
Finding the pleasures of my Patan friend grow
expensive, and very noisy, I took an easy leave
of him, and slipped unperceived into the En-
glish artillery camp, where I am treated, as I
have been in all parts of this hospitable coun-
try, with every mark of kindness.

I am, my Dear Sir,

Yours, kc.

i’OBSTES’s; TKAVEI.S.

lOS

LETTER VIIL

Rampore, February btli) 17S3,

My Deae SiE,

The desire on every occasiois
of testifying the sense I entertain of your friendi-
ship, .prompts me to give you the relation of
my route from Furruckabad to Rampore.

The progress of the first day, the 29th of Ja-
nuary, 178S, which was a long one,— -not less
than eighteen cosses, — brought me and my
horse, both greatly jaded, to Kytterah ; a large
village on the west side of the Ganges.

The next day at Allahapour, — nine cosses. —
This place not being a common stage, nor con-
taining a serauce, ray accommodations were
slender, and those extorted by the force of bold
language, and a few extra pence. At Allaha-
pour there is only on© house of entertainment,
and that for the article of eating only ; — ^you
may sleep where you can. After supper, I pro-
posed to the landlady with every token of deco-
rum, that we should lodge that night under the

idESTEU’S TEAYEtS,

10§

.skme roof. The dame misconstruing the pur-
pose of my request, and fired with indignation
at the idea of its indecency, poured on me a
torrent of reproach. In the exercise of the
tongue, a female of Hindostan hath few equals ;
and if she hath ever followed a camp, I rvould
pronounce her invincible on any ground in Eu-
rope. An English woman, educated at our most
noted seminaries, and skilled in all the various
compass of debate, will, perhaps, on some inte-
testing occasion, maintain the contest for au
hour, which then terminates in blows and vic-
tory. But an Indian dame, improved by a few
campaigns, has been known towage a colloquial
war, without introducing one manual efifort, for
the space of three successive days ; sleeping
and eating at reasonable intervals*. There is a
fertility of imagination, a' power of expression,
inherent in the mind, and vocal ability, of an
Asiatic, particularly a female one, which can-
not be engendered in the cold head of an
European : and there is an extent of language
also peculiar to the East, which the limits of
Western speech do not contain,- — Let me not for-
get the story of my landlady, whose words, shrill
and piercing, yet seem to vibrate in my ear.—
With every symptom of a virulent female pride,

* Sadr irdoiged «agagmeatsar« disiingijUiii^ by &e |i%tiiCslar
t*iTO of " bomfs/ Xer^,” or the si^lc war.

fobsteh’s tbatees-

iio

and tlie semblance of outrageous virtue, slie
declared that I should not sleep under her
roof,— I might, if I liked, place my bed on the
out-side of the door. — ^Finding the night grow-
ing cold, and not being impressed with sen-
timents of respect for mine hostess, whose per-
soh had nothing lovely in it, I planted my bed
somewhat rudely in the midst of her apartment,
telling her, she might di-ipose of herself as she
deemed most fitting, but that my deportment
would be chaste, and consistent with the rules of
honour, though appearances might be unfavour-
able.* The good woman perceiving my inat-
tention to her clamorous representation, was glad '
to compound the matter, and lake a small
pecuniary compensation, for the injury her
character might suffer.

On the next day I went to Badam, a station
of eight cosses. — Badam is said to have been
founded four hundred years ago, by one of the
Seljukian kings,- and from n magnificent ex-
tensive city, is now sunk into a small inoul(|er
ing town. The ruins of the fort still serve to
exhibit a mortifying picture of former gran-
deur; but such is the rever(|e,of its condition,
that the hpwlipg wqlf, apd jthe
owl, now become its only
planted ‘the gay damsel, and the care-soothing
Thmt

lyOESTEE’s TRATEtS;

lit

biood ceases to rim lightly through its now
elastic channels, — ere thy mind refuses longer
to receive the glowing tints of fancy’s pencil,
—-seize the fair pleasures of the hour, and, fol-
lowing the precepts of our Hafez, leave the rest
to fate ! — I passed' this evening in the company
of the fair, (though the epithet may not lite-
rally apply to our Indian ladies,) M'ho, for a
moderate offering, sung, laughed, and danced
around me until mid-night.

On the 1st of February, after a tedious
journey of fourteen cosses, leading through a
lonely unhospitable country, I arrivM at
Owlah.— Of the few fellow-travellers pursuing
the same track, two wolves, a fox, and two
hares, composed the greater number. The
shrubs and high grass had so concealed the path,
that I was completely bewildered, and had lost
iny way ; when a small village on an eminence
attracted my notice, and held out the prospect
of relief : but such is the instability of sublu-
nary pleasure, that this promising mark proved
a false beacon. The hamlet was unroofed, and
its inhabitants bad sought a more friendly land.
Then, in the bitterness of my heart, I gave np
Shujah-ud-Dowlah tp as inany devils as choice
to -take Iiiin, and yvas about consigning the
l^nglish to the sarne crew, for iiaviitgi expelled,
■ -a;,,C!pnntry ;-wbicbVtb,ef had;^ ^popnlop's

JOJiSTEB^S TH.AVEM.

im

and opulent, the extensive tribe of Rohilfas.
How insatiable, cruel, and how destructive,
even of its own purposes, appears ambition,
when placed in this light. It prompted a
prince, already possessed of an ample fair ter-
ritorj^ ter seize, with barely the colour of pre-
tence, the domain of his neighbours, who, by a
salutary system of government, had enriched
their country, and had made their names re-
spected. The conqueror, by the fortune of war,
subjects into a province this flourishing terri-
toiy, which is soon converted into desolate
plains, and deserted villages. This is not, I
trust, the language of exaggeration, or the
colouring of fancy: it is a simple, grievous
truth, forcing itself on the notice of the most
cursory observfer. — ^The town of Owlah, once
crowded with inhabitants, and adorned with
mosques and spacious buildings, is now ver-
ging to ruin, and many of its street* are choaked
up with fallen habitations*

On the Qd of February, at Shahabad, — 'four-
teen cosscs,— a large village in the districts of
Fyze-ullah-Kban.‘ The whole of this chiePs
country evinces the beneficial effects arising
from the encouragement of husbandry, and the
aid of an active government. Populous villa-
ges, skirted by extensive fields of corn, are seent
all sides ; and the haughty indej^iiftdl:

FOaSTBR’S TBATEI/S.

113

spirit which invariably pervades every class of
the people, mark their abhorrence of despotism.
Many of the Rohillas, who had been driven
from the country after the death of Hafiz
Rhamut, have settled in this quarter.

On the 3d, at Rampour, — fourteen cosses.
Fyze-ullah-Khan, resides in this town, which
the general resort of his civil and military offi-
cers, has now made populous, and wealthy.

I am, Dear Sir,

Yours, &c, &c.

£The folloM’ing history of the Rohillas, and Shujah-ud-Dowlali,
compiled since the <h^te of the letters, is founded on sundry ori-
ginal documents, and various local information, obtained during
my residence in the nortliern parts of India, and has been intro**
dneed in this place, though interrupting the series of the letters^ to
bring into one view, a body of relative facts.]

FORSTEH’s TRAT*I-».

115

HISTORY

OF

THE ROHILLAS*

It appears, that about the year
17S0, Bisharut Khan, and Daoud Khan, of the
tribe of Rohillas, accompanied by a small
number of their needy and adventurous coun-
trymen, came into Hindostan in quest of military
service. They were first entertained by a
Madar Saha, the Hindoo chief of Scrouly f,
who, by robbery and predatory excursions,
maintained a large party of banditti. In the
plunder of an adjacent village, Daoud Khan
captured a youth of the Jatt sect J, whom he

^ Tliis appellation,. I have been informed,, is derived from
aword'lti the.Afgliaoi language-, sigutfying a, ME- or ipoimtaiH;; and^
is the' of a, certam tract of territoryi Tlie, native coun-

try of the, RoMllas, situated between Pesboiir and Cabu!, ^

' . f . A small town in the. north-west <|uarter of Eohilpund-. '

sect, 'a numerous and powerful one in’, tha-'noitbem,
parts -of lnd% is /classed "In the fourth* or ■Soo4«^*;..-tdhe:/of tho
Hindoos. '

IJG

TORSTEr’s TKAVEIS.

adopted and brought up in the Mahometan faith,
by the name of Ali Mahomet ; and though he
had children born to him in marriage, Daoud
Khan distinguished this boy by pre-eminent
marks of parental affection. ' Madar Saha as-
signed to the body of Rohillas, which soon in-
creased, certain lands* for their maintenance,
Goolareah and some other villages, wer^ given
to Bisharut Khan ; and Daoud Khan obtained
Burneah and Beouly f.

Whilst the Rohillas were yet in this limited
State, Shah Alum Khan, an Afghan Mollah vi-
sited his countrymen in India; and it is said
that he had particular claims of friendship on
Daoud Khan, being either the adoptive father o-f
that chief, or having afforded him in bis youth
the means of subsistence. In whatever relation
the Mollah stood to Daoud Khan, it is allowed
that he was hospitably treated at Beouly ; and
on returning to Afghanistan, was furnished with
a sum of money for defraying the expences of
his journey. ' Shah Alum came a second' time to

, The Roliilla 'Wlio stood next ia autliority to tliose cliiefbV

were' CMJri''Efean>'Shadi€'Kfean>:'FermatjI Khsiij. 'Sultan apd,.,
Amm' Kliau BbuugMalt. ■ , -

f Villages 'situated ip.'' the ciistnefe' 'of'^-Sullausee^' a ' of ,

BoMkupd, which' lies' 40' copiputed ipfles. to the westward' of 'Ba-“ '
BeiueFs aiap.

^ '''f /Mollah ' Is'aii appelMon'' 'giveii' to'those'wlm are skilled is'' the v;
rdig'ious doctrine -apd' laws 'of,Mahojp«t' '

FOESTEK’S TBATEtS. 117

Kuthair*, where he again experienced the ge-
nerosity of Daoud Khan ; but on going back
to his country, he was killed, and his effects
were plundered. It has been said, that this
assassination was committed at the instigation
of Daoud Khan, in revenge of some haughty
expressions of the Mollah to that chief. I
have been wholly prompted to make this men-
tion of Alum Khan, from his being the father
of Hafiz Rhamut, who in latter times became
so conspicuous and unfortunate.

The Rohillas, quarrelling with Mad ar Saha,
retired from his country, and associating them-
selves with Chand Khan,, the chief of Bareilyf,
they jointly entered into the service of Azmuth
Khan, the Governor of Moradabad;!:. They
did not long remain attached to this officer,
but moving towards the northern mountains,
they made incursions into the territory of the
Rajah of Cumfflaioun§. Chand Khan had

#T|iie original name of apart of EoHlcimd, previously to tlic
p«riod of the EoliiBa conquest, and still adopted in the public regis-
ters of the country.

# f ' Bareily# a spacious well built fevn, in the centre of RoMktmd.
—See lennelV map^ ^ ^ ,

f ' A towniormerly ''Of great note^ situate in the northern part,, of
Bolulcmid.*-See' Rennefs„map/

'§ A 'Ipacious. tracf'.of "mountainous ,couiitrj>, .subject' /^to' a
'Hindoo -Chiefs ,md 'forming the/north*easfc'b0uhtey:.bfC'lo^
,Mcund. ^ .. V' -

118

roKSTES’s TEAVEES.

prs’ ^''iisly refused to proceed on this expedi-
tici lUth the Roliillas, who, after various
sitv-css, were wholly worsted. The Rohillas
•ad riftietraied into the interior country, but
being surrounded on all sides by the moun-
taineers, who cut olF their supply of provision,
they weie ccmpelled to submit to disgraceful
terms of rcleaaement. The pei*sons of Daoud
Khan, and Ah Mahomet, were delivered to the
Rajah, who put the former to death ; and the
like fate would have awaited the son, had he not
made his escape. The Rohillas say, that Daoud
Khan wa^. not surrendered to the chief of Cum-
maioim, but slain by a party of mountaineers,
who had attacked him by surprise. The Ro-
hilla party after this disaster withdrew to Beoii-
lyand Burneah, where they had, antecedently
to the Cumniaioun expedition, lodged their fa-
milies ; and in a short space of time it is seen,
that they seized on the districts of Madar Saha,
their first master, who fell in one of the desul-
tory actions that followed rtijs invasion. Ali
Mahomet, after the death of Daoud Khan, had
been declared chief * of the party ; nor did he,

* Maliomet Kto, the soix of Daotid KHiaix, #her ftdto befeg
supef^ietled in his father’s affection hy AH MahoDiet, or M the pe-
riod of Daood Khaa’f death, bdag excluded by RoMlfe officers
from the succession, retired 'to Fm*iuckabad, where he w^as received
bito the Bunglish family* It is meatloaed also in a wamwcript

119

jFORSTEE’S TEAVELS.

thouTgli then a youth, seem unworthy of the
charge. He was brave, enterprising, and never
failed to improve the occasions of advancing his
power and enlarging his territory. — An eunuch
who resided at Munounah ♦, and managed the
affairs of those omrahs of the court who held
granted lands in Kuthair, had incited Ali Ma-
homet, from some motive of resentment, to in-
vade the possessions of the chief of Owlah ;
which were soon reduced by tlie Robillas, and
ultimately annexed to their territory. Ah Ma-
homet found, which he had sought for, a pre-
text to quarrel with the eunuch, whom he en-
gaged and slew in a pitched battle ; the suc-
cess of which, invested him with the estates of
the nobles, and a large booty. A.li Mahomet,
chiefly by the assistance of the Vizier Kummer-
ud-Dein, not only made his peace at court, but
obtained a commission for collecting the reve-
nue of the pension lands, which it is said he
punctually remitted

wMcIi I have s€eii,\hat at the time of his faher’s death, Mahomet
Khan was au ihfam, and that he remained some years in the family
of ' .Mahomet

' * A town in Rohilcund,:

f The -battle in 'which the eunuch was slain, happuedln 1727# •

' I An act of-such:avowed'TebelH©n>o,«>niRtitted within almost 'the ■
■Vprecincts of Abe • court,' marks , epociia of. of' , the Mch

gul Empire, '■and complcuousiy shews,., that the p<^,f'er.:ahd,, vigour
which ':hhd 'rendered its arms invincible' under Achar mA, Aurung'-
■' asebc, no longer existed*^'

Forster’s traveIiS.

IgO

From this period, may be dated the first im-
portant establishment of the Rohilla power in
Rohilcund : a name by which they distinguishedi
the Kuthair districts, and their other territories
on the east side of the Ganges. Azraut Ulla
Khan* being removed from the government of
Moradabad, Hunund, an Hindoo officer of note,
was ordered to proceed to that place, and exter-
minate the government of the Rohillas. It ap-
pears, that Omdut U1 Mulckfi a powerful om-
rah at the court of Mahomet Shah, advised and
pronhoted this measure, in revenge of the death
of the eunuch, who had been bis agent in the ma-
nagement of an extensive Jaguir, which be held
in the districts of Munounah and Owlah. The
forces of Hunund were ©acountered by the R®-
hillas under the command of Ali Mahomet
and wholly defeated, Hunund, together with
his son, fell in battle ^ and the districts of Mo-
radabad, with those of Bareily, were seized on
by All Mahomet. — About this time Azim Khan
Ddngheah, a Rohilla who had been employed in
the serviceof the zemindarbf Peleabeat f, joined

* iH’some ]papers' recording, Bohilla history, it is niPntioned, that
■ A2mHt,Uilah was fopcsihly^ deptiyed of hia'goyemment hj AM Ma-
liaiBcl/ ' ,

; : ■ f This ‘0Scer,w^s also towJiBy. t}ie name of Amir ■Bhaiiw
;:/|rThis eyentjiappeEed AVI>.''^1740,'the'year;after:Nadir '
"ikyMOn of India,

' k the Bortii‘ea^t '<inartOr'o^BoMiO\kd,kear th'e''&iot

, .of woody range' of. hils.--*Tide'^ , ,

121

F0RSTE4l’$ TftAVEX.S.

AU Mahomet; whom it is said he, urged to in-
vade the possessions of his late master. The
Rohilla, who embraced with eagerness every op-
portunity of extending his conquests, and ac-
quiring plunder, attacked the Hindoo, and drove
him from his residence. After the death of'
Hunund, it is mentioned, though without any
accurate detail of facts, and a total omission of
date, that Meet Munnoo, the son of the Vizier
Kumroer-ud-Dein, was sent into Rohilcund with
an army to compel AH Mahomet to account for
the Rohilcund revenue, and to restore the artil-
lery which had been attached to the troops of
Hunund. Ali Mahomet met Meer Munnoo at
a passage of the Ganges sear Daranaghur*’,
where an adjustment was effected; and the
daughter of the Rohilla, it is also said, given to
JMeer Munnoo’s brother in marriage. No other
dates are affixed to the arrival of Hafiz Rham at
Khan f in India, than that he joined his coun-
trymen during the administration of Ali Maho-
met; who being desirous of effacing any re-
sentment that he might harbour for the murder
of Alum Kban, quickly advanced this cbief to
an important station. Dhoondy Khan, a ne-

^ A town on tht' bank of the Ganges, , in the noTth^wesI; quarter

Eohikund.— See llenneFsmap.^ ^ ,

, , f ' Hafirs' Ihamnt, some ■■doctimehts ■ say, irst cause:' lato India in
the character, of a, merchant.; . ^

122

JOItSTEJl’t. TSATEEi.

phew of Alum Khan, who probably came to
Rohilcunrl about the same period, was also much
favoured by Ali Mahomet. Actuated more
perhaps by the desire of conquest, than reta-
liating former disgrace, Ali Mahomet invaded
Cummaiouii, which he over-ruu, and compelled
the chief to take refuge in the Serinagar coun-
try*, lie amassed a large booty in this expe-
<lition, wiiich was concluded by the exaction
of an annual tribute; and Rohiila troops v/ere
stationed in the forts of Cashipuur and Roo-
derpour, dependencies of Cummaioun, which
he kept possession of, to record, it is said,
the revenge that had been taken for the mur-
der of his father.

Ali Mahomet, who resided chiefly at Ow lab,
established throughout his territory a perma-
nent system of government, which though occa-
sionally rigorous, afforded a general - protection
to the lower class of people. Surdar Khan,
who had approved himself in many actions a
brave soldier, was appointed to the command of
the army ; and certain lands were granted him
for his maintaiance. Futtah Khan f, with a
comfortable donation, was created th'e public

* All Hindoo territory, bouading Eoliilcuad on the iiortb.

f Fidtah Khan, origlasUy a Hindoo, was adopted by Ali Ma-
loyatt* The u^age of noak adoption prevails even In Mab®i»eta»
liiBilies where ihei e are manv sons.

JTQRSTEa’s TBAVEIS.

1S3

treasurer, and keeper of the household stores.
Peleabeat and Bareily were given to Hafiz Rha-
mut ; and Moradabad, to Dhoondy Khan. Ali
Mahomet seems to have held the imperial au-
thority at this period in a low degree of es-
timation, for he openly seized on some valu-
able commodities, which the Governor of Ben-
gal had dispatched, by the road of Rohilcund,
to court, for the use of the king. Setting
also at defiance the power of Sufdah Jung,
the Subahdar of Oude, he plundered a large
quantity of valuable timber that had been cut
down for his use in the northern parts of Ro- ■
hilcund. Sufdar Jung, who had ever been
inimical to the late conquerors of Kuthair, ac-
quired a sufficient influence over Mahomet
Shah*, to induce that Prince to attack Ali
Mahomet. The Rohillas were secretly sup-
ported by the Vizier Kummer-ud-Dein, who,
bore an inveterate hatred to the Subalidar of
Oude; and who, in the usage of the cour-
tiers of that day, strengthened his party by
every powerful connection that he could pro-
cure, '

•The King entered Rohilcund with a great

* SnMmrSmg cMefly persuaded Maliomet Sliafii -to undertake
this expedition, by a stipulation of paying one iaok of rupees for
every marching, and half a lack for every Imiting day, of the Im-
perial army, until its arrival in Eohiicund,

121

fOKSIER’s TilAVELS.

force *, and without coming to an engagement,
possessed himself of the open country. AH
Mahomet, aware of his inability to resist the
Icing’s army, and feeling perhaps a reluctance
to face his sovereign in the field, had retired
into the woods of Banghur f, the skirts of
which were defended by a chain of forts that
had been erected by the Rohillas at a former
period. Ali Mahomet maintained this post for
some time, but having no hope of relief, and
being scantily supplied with provisions, he
surrendered himself into the hands of the king ;
and at the intercession of Kummer-ud-Dein,
■was pardoned.

The power of the Rohillas was now annihi-
lated in Rohikund, and all their officers and
principal people were removed to Delhi. This
irnrarkable evenf, which happened in the year
1745, shews that Ali Mahomet must have been
essentially aided by the distracted state of the
empire, during the Persian invasion, in the
increase and establishment of his dominion. It

• During Uic campai^ of MsJiomet Shall in RoHilcund, te gaw
to the Slwte river the name of Yaa Wufiadar, or faithful friend,
from the great conveniences derived by his army from this Stream,
whose waters are salubrious, and flow in a beautifully winrStig
course.

t These woods lie between Owlah and Eampore.-— Vide leiw
nel’s

FOaSTEs’s TBAVEIS.

125

appears that he remained about a year at Delhi,
under the immediate protection of the Vizier,
when, at that nobleman’s recommendation, he
was appointed the military governor of Sirhend,
and ordered to reduce the former .chief of that
place, who had thrown off his allegiance to the
empire. Previously to his proceeding on this
service, Aii Mahomet had been required to send
Abed-ullah and Fyze-ullah, two of his sons, to
Lahore*, to be kept as hostages for the good
conduct of the father. The Rohilla, who on
every occasion displayed the ability and spirit
of a soldier, defeated the Sirhend rebel, and
reduced to his subjection Kote Roy, one of the
strongest fortresses in the upper part of India.
During the residence of Ali Mahomet at Sir-
hend, his party, which had been joined by a
body of two or three thousand marauding
Afghans, was computed at ten thousand caval-
ry, and fifteen or twenty thousand infantry of
various denominations. The Rohilla did not
take any part in the Durany war f ; but whilst
the Moghul and Afghan armies were approach-
ing to action, he quitted the Punjab and retired
to Hurdwar, from whence he penetrated, in 1747,
into Rohilcund, which he rapidly conquered.

, the mu of the' Vkier„ that 'ti'iiie the^

Governor of Ifabore.'

, f The' of the Giirany Ahmed ■Shah*.'

156

jporsteb’s travjels.

The two sons of Ali Mahomet, who had been
delivered as hostages for his good conduct,
were taken by Ahmed Shah, the Durany, in
the fort of Sirhend ; where they had been placed
by Kumraer-ud-Dein, previously to the reduc-
tion of that town by the Afghans. Ali Mahomet
could not long have enjoyed the fruits of his
last success ; for his death, according to the
memoirs of that time, happened in the latter
end of 1747 *5 at Owlah.

Perhaps no soldier that has appeared in
India, passed through more active and eventful
scenes of life, than Ali Mahomet. He was
born, and grew up, it may be said, amidst the
din of arms. He fell, when a boy, into the hands
of Daoud Khan. An incessant series of warfare
occupied his manhood, and he died at the period
of finally subdiiiug the territory, which he had
before arduously fought for, conquered, and
had lost. — This chief bore the reputation of a
liberal encourager of agriculture aud commerce.
He was strict and rigorous in the exactions
which he levied from his subjects ; but as he
r.irely infringed, he never remitted a stipulated
engagement. Owlah, his usual place of resi-
dence, and the principal town of Rohilcund, he
oruanientecl with numerous public and private

* Or the Ijeginsimg of 174S*

FOESTER's TRATILg. 127

edifices, wliicli were constructed and arranged
with an order and taste seldom seen in Indian
cities.

Saud Ullah Khan, the third son * of Ali
Mahomet, succeeded to the supremacy of the
Rohilla dominion. In obedience to the last
counsel of his father, who had recommended
Hafiz Rhamut to his young successor f, as the
most capable of the Rohiilas, Saud Ullah ap*
pointed that officer his deputy in the manage-
ment of public affairs. During the administration
of Saud Ullah, the Patans of Furruckabad,
commanded by their chief, Caim Khan Bung-
hish, invaded Rohilcund. ‘ Confident of success,
and presuming on the military reputation which
he had acquired, the Patan precipitately quit-
ted the body of his army, and advanced with
a party of hjts principal officers. A detachment
of Rohiilas in ambuscade, fired at Caim Khan
as he passed, and killed him, with some other
persons of his retinue.. The army, on the death
of their leader, fled, leaving the baggage and
guns behind, jyhich were captured by the Ro-
hiilas, and estimated at a great value. Saud
Ullah, said at that time to be fourteen years

^ The two elder were yet kept m confimmmt by tlie Biiraiimes.

t At Ms father^s death, Bmd Uilah was twelve years
ot agCf

12S

Forster’s travels.

of age, had accompanied the army on thij
expedition*. Sufdar Jung still retaining t
strong animosity to the Rohillas, and desirous
of improving the occasion of Saud Ullah’s mi-
nority, formed a junction with Mulhar Row.
the chief of a large body of Marhatta cavalry,
and penetrated into Rohilcund. The Rohillas,
unable to resist so large a force, took shelter in
the skirts of the northern mountains, where
they remained, until some revolutions at court
caused Sufdar Jung to move towards Delhi.
He carried with him the strength of his own,
and the auxiliary armyfj station ingin Rohilcund,
a detachment for the purpose of maintaining
possessions of the districts he had conquered :
the Rohillas did not long continue in conceal-
ment, but collecting their scattered forces, they
expelled the remaining troops of Sufdar Jung.

* The invasion of Cairn Khan happened in the latter end oi
%7i9* It appears that Mahomet Khan^ the son of Daond ElhaH/
who had taken refuge at Fnrrackabadj^ accompanied Cairn, IKhan
on the expedition, and fell in the action* In the course of the same
year, an officer named Kuttib-nd-Dein, the son or grand^son of
UIkh Khan, was appointed by the court io the govern^
ment of Moradahad, and entered Eoliilcuiid with an army which
was encountered and defeated by the Bohillas.

f It is mentioned, that the Marhattas withdrew from HoMicund,
on receiving a bond of fifty lacks of rupees from the Rohillas ; and
It ijhould seem, that they made the non-payment of this bond m
cawsf for mvaffingiaohUcund, in the yearn 1770 and |773*

rOESTER’s TRAVELS. 1S9

It appears that about the year 1750- the two
elder sons of Ali Mahomet, having been en-
larged by Admed Shah Dourany, came into
Rohilcund, and solicited a portion of the pa-
ternal estate. Their claims were submitted to
the deliberation of the principal Rohiila officers,
among whom Hafiz took the lead, and, it was
resolved that the territory which had been
personally possessed ’ by Ali Mahomet, should,
be divided amongst his sons *. Violent dis-
putes soon arose amongst the brothers, in the
detail of which, little accuracy is observed by
the writers of the tracts that have come into
my possession : nor would the relation, con-
sisting of perplexed scenes of treachery and
intrigue, tend to forward the general plan of
this treatise. It will be sufficient to say, that
the Rohiila chiefs, aware of the difficulties
that affected the late arrangement, and dissa-
tisfied at the conduct of Abed Ullah Khan,
the eldest of the brothers, united in force,
and expelled him, with some other branches
of the family, from Rohilcund. Fyze-Ullah
Khan, the second son of Ali Mahomet, ob-
tained, after the expulsion of Abed Ullah, the
districts of Rampour ; which his prudent, wary

* AH Mahomet had six sons. Abed Ulkh Khan, Fyze-UlIah
Khan, Saud Ullah, Maiiomet Yar Khan, Allah Y»r Khan, and
Martaza Khan*

%

YOU I.

FOESTEK’s TRAVEJL'!.

conduct Las preserved to this day, though he
ha-5 been involved in a series of domestic feuds,
and was once invested and reduced to extreme
distress by a powerful army*. The districts
which had been allotted to Abed Uilah, for a
sliort time consuleret! tlie ruling chief, were now
bestowed on Saud Uilah Khan : who again rose
to his former supei iority of station. Ilafiz Ah-
med, having acquired by his office, military abi-
lity, and genius, and his extensive influence in
Rohilcund, graduallj'- diminished, and at length
V holly superseded, the authority of Saud Uilah,
who assenting to the offer of a pensionf, Hafiz
was avowedly advanced to the supreme admi-
nistration of affairs. The cause of this revo-
lution is ascribed to the indolent and dissipated
genius of Saud Uilah, who, it was represented
by the party of Ilafiz, would soon waste the re-
sources of the country, and entail a disgrace on
the nation. Without searching into remoter
motives, it may be directly imputed to the am-
bition of Ilafiz, who no longer held in remem-
brance the hand that had raised him to honours,
and had committed a son to his protection ; but
rent without a scruple every bond that con-
fined his schemes of grandeur. Hafiz Ilhamut

* I’lio <;ombmcd army of English and Sliujali-ud-Dowlali in 1774.

I -t It is said that (he other chiefs contributed to Uais payment,
'Which amoimtcd to i.iglil lacks Oi nipees per anmim.

BOESTEB’s lEATEtS.

131

had borne a part in the actions of his country-
men in India ; he had seen that no limits arc
affixed to power, and that no duties, prescribed
for the guidance of men, impede the strides of
ambition. The death of Saud Ullah Khan,
which happened in 17jSl, at Owlah, contributed
to fix th« power of Hafiz Rhamut, and relieved
him from his proportioned payment of the sum,
that had been assigned for the maintenance of
that chief.

The want of established facts for describing
in regular order the History of the Rohillas,
confined me to the use of such materials, as im-
mediately mark their military progress, or lead
to the essential changes of their government.
In my Rohilla papers it is mentioned, that on
Sufdar Jung’s death*, Ghaze-ud-Dein, the Vizier
of the Empiref, joined by Ahmed Khan Bun-
gushj;, marched an army into Oude, and com-
menced hostilities against Shujah-ud-Dowlab,
who had refused to make any pecuniary ac-
knowledgments to the court on the event of his
accession, or render an account of the personal
estate of his father §. Shujah-ud«Dowlah, aware

* He died in tlbe year 1754
t Afemed Shah then sat on thetbroae of Delhi
f The Navaab of Furruckabad.

§ la Mahometaa States, the priace, on the death of a subject, be-
comes tlie heir of his property ; which is often remitted to the
mily oa the payment of a moderate hne.

1C 2

m

fOUSTER’* TJtAVKM.

of liis inability to resist this attack alone, soli-
cited the aid of the Rohilla states, who assenting
to the request, came into Oude with a large
force. The Rohiila chiefs ultimately effected a
cessation of hostility between the contending
parties ; and being chosen to decide on the claims
preferred by Ghaze-ud-Dein, it was stipulated
that Shudah-ucl-Dow'lah should appropriate cer*
tain districts of the annual value of five lacks of
rupees, to the use of the Imperial family. Nor
was this engagement acceded to by Ghaze-ud-
Dein, until Saud Ullah Khan had agreed to fec-
comesecurityfor its performance*. — Saud Ullah
Khan, in 176‘0, had accompanied the Rohiila
army to the relief of Najeb Khan, one of the
Rohiila chiefs, who was invested by a body of
iMarbattas at Sookertalf; and this appears to be
the last public act which Saud Ullah performed.

That you may view more comprehensively
the situation of the Rohillas at the period of
Saud Ullah ’s death, it is necessary to lay before
you a brief description of those officers,* who at
tliat time held possessions in Rohilcund.

Dhoostcv Khan, in the partition of lands

* It\T^ Oil this'-occasioB, I believe, that Sinijal'Mid*Dowlab aad
Stud Uilak made an exchange of their turbans.-^ 'Tliis ceremony Is
observed by the Mahometans in India as a pledge Of friendships aid
tometimes it is practised in the ratification of treaties*

f The name of a village, md ford of the <^ariges^'— See lennelF*
map*.

fOKSTEU’s i:3ATKl.S.

m

which were assigned to the chiefs, obtained the
districts of the Bissouly, Morababad, Chaund-
pore and Sumbul*. He died previously to the
Rohilla war, 1774, leaving three sons, the el-
dest of whom, Mohubbullah Khan, succeeded
to the largest portion of his territory!'. Mullah
Surdah Khan, to whom the districts of Sunejah
Kote:{;, and some other adjacent lands had been
assigned, left six sons ; amongst whom dissen-
sions arising about the division of the inheri-
tance, the two eldest, Ahmed Khan and Maho-
met Khan, had recourse to arms, for the de-
cision of the contest. Ahmed Khan, supported
by Hafiz Ehamut, defeated his brother in an
action, and took him prisoner §. Futtah Khan,
one of the early associates of Ali Mahomet,
who had accumulated much wealth from the
office jl he had so long filled, held the districts

# Towns in lohaciind.-^See iaeiBjell’s -map,
t This chief, confiding in an engagement made with the Viaier, ia
which it was stipulated that he should not be molested by the com*

Mnedarmy, did not appear in arms during the Hohiila War, 1743*
But the Vbier, violating the agreement, stripped him of his territary
and treasure,

' % Situaft^attke distance of forty-four computed niiks to the west-
ward of Barei!y*---Vide EennelFs map. • ' ’ ^ ,

Ahmed Kim commanded part of the RoMla' army, in' the

war, 1774*, , , ,, , . • \ ^ ^

|}\ Futtah. Khan held the Oj06ce-’of treasurer,- a- master of, the
kouaehoM* ^ ^

FORSTEb’s TSAVEIS.

m

of Bandaum, Aussete, and Hessinpour*. This
officer, who died before the expulsion of the
Rohiilas, was succeeded in the territorial pro-
perty, by his eldest son, Ahmed Khan f. The
■widow of Saud Ullah Khan, held in high esti-
mation for a liberality of disposition and pious
deportment, resided in the town of Owlah,
which had been, by the consent of the chiefs,
committed to her immediate charge. After the
death of Saud Ullah, when the common au-
thority of the government had devolved on
Hafiz Rhamut, it is not seen that the Rohilla
arms were extensively employed, or that any
important revolution affected their state. They
had, previously to the Vizier’s invasion of Ro-
hilcund, carried on a desultory war with the
Marhattas, and seized on their districts in the
Duab, which continued a short time in the Ro-
hilla possession. The Marhattas who afterwards
came in great force, expelled the Rohiilas from
the Duab, and laid waste the eastern quarter of
Rohilcund. As a short history of the life of
Shujah-ud-Dowlah will be annexed, in which
the principal events of the Rohilla war are no-

s' ' „ ^

^ Townslykig In the.west and soutli quarters of Rohilcund.

, f Alimed the son of Futtah'Khan, after the, defeat, of the
'RoMIlasin. 1774, Joined the, army of Fy^e Ullah, ■ at Ualdong, and
retired with that chief , to Ram pour. ,

F.OESTEK’s TJtA'V]gI,S. ] 33

ticed, a discussion of them in this place be-
comes unnecessary.

The form of government adopted by the
Rohiiias in India, of near affinity to that which
exists in their native country, may be denomi-
nated feudal. Tire successors of Daoud Khan
possessing slender hereditary pretensions, anti
surrounded by the men who had essentially aid-
ed in the first conquest, held but a limited sway.
Sutulah Khan and Futtah Khan, two of the
most respectable of the Rohillas, never ceaseti
to oppose the progress of Hafiz Rhamut, which
was conspicuously directed tp sovereign rule ;
and bjr a zealous attachment to the party ©f
Saud Ullah’s widow, who was beloved by the
people, they formed a moderate counterpoise to
the encroaching power of that chief. Here it
becomes my duty, whether as the compiler of
Rphilla tracts, or a recorder of cohrifion fame,
to briefly delineate the character of Hafiz Rha-
mut. Born and reared to manhood in a coun-
try*, where its people are taught to consider
a military as the only laudable profession, and
that the sword conveys an irreproachable title
to every acquisition, Hafiz Rhamut, •constitu-
tionally brave, became an enterprising soldier.
His government was founded on the common
basis of ail active system ; but flourished from

Afghanistan.

136

forstbr’s travels.

the knowledge he possessed of its resources.
He seems to have maintained a general good faith
in public transactions, and though in the attain-
ment of power he trampled on another’s right,
his genius and valour preserved the allegiance,
and perhaps the love of his people ; who saw in
him a aster, whose hand was equally prompt
to indulgence or protection. And here I am
impelled to say, that Shujah-ud-Dowlah alone,
would never have dared Hafiz to the field. Ha-
fiz Rhamut, like most of the chiefs or princes
of a country, where succession falls^ to the
strongest arm, was unfortunate in his family :
Enayat Khan, his eldest son, took up arms
against him, was defeated, and obliged to seek
shelter with Shujah-ud-Dowlah, in whose army
he served at the battle of Buxar"*^. Dissensions
had arisen also amongst the descendants of the
Other Rohilla officers, which involved the coun-
try in general commotion, and on the arrival of
the united forces of the English and Sbujah-ud-
Dowlah in Rohilcund, the chiefs appeared to
dread the increase of each other’s power, more
than the invasion of an enemy.

I WILL conclude this treatise, by observing,
that the Afghan conquerors of Rohilcuud, were

^ /He 'afterwards ' xeturaed to' Eohilcynd-i'' , where ' 'he diedhefore
tlie , last Eoiiilla war*

yOESTEfi’a TUAVELS.

137

a rapacious, bold, and lawless race of men ;
and it should seem, that after they liad establish-
ed a government in India, they adopted the
more eifeminate vices of the south, and became
intriguing, deceitful, and treacherous. The
Rohillas, especially the lower classes, were,
with but few exceptions, the only sect of Ma-
hometans in India who exercised the profession
of husbandry ; and their improvements of the
various branches of Agriculture, were amply
recompensed by the abundance, and superior
quality of the productions of Rohilcuud*.

The actions of Najeb Khan, those especial-
ly which occupied the latter periods of his life,
bearing a close relation to the history of Rohil-
cund, I have given them a separate place in the
treatise; which as it represents him in a more
conspicuous light, will aflFord me the sensible
pleasui’C of offering up a tribute of respect and
applause, to the memory of a brave liberal sol-
dier, and a statesman of distinguished ability.

Najeb Khan, the nephew of the Bisharut
Khan, mentioned in the Rohilla sketches, came
into Rohilcund during the administration of
All Mahomet He was at first, appointed to

coMUtry is said to have yielded to the EoMllas, ooemil-
lioB sterlings which is now reduced by the injudlcioui msmagemeiti
#f the Hair# to thirty# or at most# forty tlroumd pounds^

J5S toestek’* tsavel

tlie cliarge of a very small party, not consisting^
it is said, of more tlian twelve horse and foot.
But his courage and activity soon brought him
into the notice of AM Mahomet, who ee trusted
him with a respectable military command, and
procured for him in marriage the daughter of
Dhoondy Khan. Whilst Ali Mahomet govern-
ed the Sirhend districts, Najeb Ivhun, who had
followed his fortunes, rendered him an impor-
tant service, in reducing to obedience a refrac-
tory Hindoo chief of that quarter. After the
return of the Rohillas into Rohilcund, Dhoon-
dy Khan bestowed the districts of Duranaghur
and Chaundpour, Avhicli had been granted to
him in the original division of Rohilcund, on
Najeb Khan, who did not long confine himself
within this narrow limit ; i but crossing the
Ganges, he made depreciations on the territory
of the Goojers*, as far as Ghous Ghur and
Sarunpourf.

On the death of Mahomet Shah|:, Sufdar
Jung avowedly announced his hostile disposi-
tion to the court, which was then wholly direct-
ed by the Vizier Ghaze-ud-Dcin, and prepared

« A sect of the Hindoos, in Upper India, of the fotirlli tribe
wlio equally exercise the profession of agriculture, stud arms.

f llde RennelPs map*

J hlahoniet Shall died D* i74l> j and wat> succeeded by Ms
son Ahmed Shah*

ffoaSTBR’s TRAVELS.

139

to lead an army to Delhi. Sufdar Jung pre-
vailed on the Rohiila chiefs, ever ready to draw
the sword in the pursuit of plunder or conquest,
to join his army, which had advanced to the
neighbourhood of Delhi, when an Hindoo* offi-
cer of the court, attached to the interests of
Ghaze-ud Dein, induced Najeb Khan, by high
offers of advancement, to secede from the com-
bination, and espouse the imperial cause. —
Alarmed at this defection, the residue of the
liohilla troops, commanded by Hafiz Rhanmt,
retired into their own country. Najeb Khan
was honourably received by Ghaze-ud-Dein, and
being soon after promoted to the command of
the army, he attacked Sufdar Jung, and com-
pelled him to cross the Ganges. On the suc-
cessful conclusion of this campaign, in which
the Rohiila was wounded, he received from the
King the title of Najeb-ud-Dowlah.

SuBSEQ,uENTLy to this event, he moved with
a strong body of troops into Rohilcund, where
he established, in the districts which formerly
pertained to him, a fixed government ; and
though he disclaimed a dependence on Hafiz
Rharaut, he was considered a political mem-
ber of the Rohiila state. From a powerful sup-
port at court, and the distinguished popularity
of his character, Najeb-ud-DowIah was feared

^ Named Dtvi Sing.

140

jporstee’s tratees.

and envied by Hafiz, who saw in the e:rov/ing
influence of this chief, a mortifying dimir. utfoii
of his own. A mutual enmity soon oroduc-ed
hostilities, which ultimately involved the whole
body of the Eohillas in a civil war.

Ok the commencement of the disseutions,
Saud Ullah Khan, the nominal head of the lio-
hilla states, had embraced the party of Najeb-ud-
Dowlah, whicli he was compelled to abaudoa
by the superior power of Hafiz Rhamut, and his
partisans who, possessing tlie resources of the
country, could indulge or distress him at plea-
sure. Najeb-ud DowIah, perceiving his inability
to combat so formidable an opposition, retired
from Rohilcund, and again attached himself to
the service of the court. After his arrival in
Delhi, he was either directed by the ministry, or
he solicited permission, to reduce the Maho-
metan governor of Sarunpour*, who maintained
a forcible possession of that quarter, and had
refused to render any account of the imperial
portion of the revenue. The enemy retiring on
the approach of Najeb-ud-Dowlah, the districts
of Sarunpour and Ghous Ghur became an easy
aquisition. ' The activity and enterprise, of this
officer, who now commanded an approved body

;■* Tills town stands- on. the northern part, of the ^Dnab'; and is., at
tills time held by Gholani Kaoder Khan, the grandson of 'Najeh-wd^':
'€)owkh. . . ^

rOBSTgii’s TEAVatl.

141

of soldiers, prompted him again to cross the
Ganges, and seize on his former possessions, to
which he annexed the latiiis of Tillalabad. In
the northern division of this new conquest, he
founded the town Najebabad*, which in a short
time was filled with commodious and, beautiful
structures, and became the centre of 'an extent
sive commerce. At the distance of a mile from,
the town, he erected the fort of Najeb Ghurf,
where the adjacent inhabitants, in the event of
war, might deposit their property, and find also
a security for their persons. A want of more
precise dates, which I have in vain searched
for, has thrown a confusion and perplexity on
the preceding actions of Najeb-ud-Dowlah ; hut
it is BOW seen that in the year 1757^, this officer
was promoted to the station of Meet Bucksy,
with the title of Amir-ul-Omrah, at the instance
of Ghaze-ud-Dein ; who in 1753, having de-
posed and deprived of sight Ahmed Shah,

^ Situate in the northern divisions of Hohilcund.— ‘Vide
llemiell.

t This fort is ako called Patter Ghun

I'Dow^s History of Hiadostan.-^ln the Khaz.anahee dmahy'a
Persian hook which treats cursorily of the actions of the late 'Em-
perors of 'Hindostaii, it is said, that Najeh-ud-Dowiah' was appointed
to thii office by Ahmed Shah'' Duranny. I Irave; followed, Dow*®
’ History,: the" probability; /tliat ^ Najeb-ud-Dowlah;.'; wank

receive his' comnikaion from Ihe Court, under whose authority die
ucted* ' ' ' ", , '

US

SfOSITSn’a TEAVEtS.

raised to the throne Alumguir Sani, the father
of the present Emperor.

When the Dui'annies entered * Hindostan,
in their fourth expedition to participate in the
Mreck of the Empire, Najeb-ud-Dowlah, who
was himself an Afghanf, and aware of the supe-
rior power of Ahmed Shah, attached hinself
without reserve to the fortunes of that prince ;
dissolving the connection he had formed with
Ghaze-ud-Dein, without hesitation, or an ho-
nourable regard for the favours he had received
from the hand of that minister. The return of
Ahmed ShabJ into his own country, enabled
the Marhattas to exercise an almost undivided
authority in the upper provinces of India. Na-
jeb-ud-Dowlah, the only Mahometan chief of
power or ability, that was hostile to their inte-
Test, could not bring into the field an army of
sufficient strength to oppose their progress. He
]}ad been compelled to take post in the vicinity
of Sookertal, a fort situate on the west side of
the Ganges§, where he was reduced to such ex-
tremity, that, had not the approach of the Rohil-

• In A. D. 17:i6.

'f The,, inimbitaiits of, the space - of territory^ between iht
ri\w,AttocaedlVma,;m*e called; Afghans. ;

; AlioieTShdi ret tiraei! iato, AfghamstaOj^' from his fwrth ladiam
e:speciitio»>, 111 ear 1757;'

, How, 1o niins— See EeiHieIFs''map.

FoasTEH’s TaAVEE*.

MS

las and Shujah-ud-Dowlab, who were moving
to his assistance, together with the rumour of
the Durann}’- Ahmed Shah’s march towards the
Junjna, obliged the Marhattas to retire, it is
probable that Najeb-ud-Dowlah would have fal-
len under the superior force of their arms.

In the same year, but previously to this
event, Ghaze-ud-Dein had cut ©IF the Emperor*,
and placed Shah Jehan the second on the throne.
The capital no longer contained any grand ob-
ject of ambition. The power of its princes had
been sunk and trampled on, its treasures had
been plundered, and its gates indiscriminately
thrown open to Hindoos and Mahometans, ac-
cording to the varying power of the day. The
Marhattas, who in their turn gave the law at
Delhi, deposed the Shah Jehan, who had been
exbibited to promote the views of Ghaze-ud-
Dcin, and raised to the throne, Jehan Bucht, the
son of Ali Gohurf. After some desultory actions,
the Duranny Ahmed Shah, joined by Najeb-ud-
Dowlah and their Rohilla chiefs, attacked the
Marhattas, and defeated them, in a general
Engagement on the plains of Bandelly:|:, in
1770; when Najeb-ud-Dowlah singularly dis-

^ Ahimgnir Saiii

Oise'df ■

la tlie. /tt-eighboarhooil , of'' Delhi, at the passage of'iie"
called Boiifaree , Ghaut 7 ,

141'

fobster’s tratbes.

tinguished himself, routing it is said, with his
own troops, the division of the Marhatta army
commanded by Duttah Pattelle*, who fell in the
field. In the battle of Panifrettt, the fortune
of which was to decide the existence of the Ma-
hometan Empire in India, the Afghans were
powerfully assisted by Najeb-ud-Dowlah, who,
during the period of an important intercourse
with them, evinced an in varied fidelity and
spirit.

The overthrow of the Marhattas, and Ahmed
Shah’s return into his ov»?n country, CGiitribu^ed
to give the affairs of the Empire a less distress-
ful aspect; and the abilities of Najeb-ud-
Dowlabt, who conducted the administration of
the young prince again reflected on the ca-
pital a glimmering- ray of respect. A war now
broke out between Najeb-ud-Dowlali and the
Jatts, a powerful and warlike tribe of Hindoos,
who in the general convulsion of the state, had
seized on large tracts of territory, confining on
the western bank of Jumna, and comprehending
the strong holds of Deigh, Coinbere, Burtpoure,

* On(^ file "Marhatta 'generals,' and the uncle of. Mhadgee
Sciiidia, now so well known in the annals of India,
f This decisive action was fought in-February 1761. '

J Oha^e-ud“IXnn, in 1761, left, pelin, where die could no'longer
'preserve an inil\iencey and where he was , detested for hit cruelties
'' %d treachery.

Tewen Hiicht. , ' ■; / ‘ ' '

Forster’s travels. Ii5

and the city of Agrah. The cause of these
hostilities is not explained in any document that
has reached my knowledge; nor would peulnips
throw any strong light on the history of Najeb-
ud-Dowlah. They arose .probably from the
source* which produced the various contests

The seeds which produced the decay of tlie Moghul empire,
^iid which at this day have ripened into such malignarcy, took a
deep root during the reign of Aurungzebe ; who, though one oi the
most sagacious princes of the house of Timur, endangered the
welfare of the state, and the security of his subjects, ])y an injudi-
cious impulse of domestic affection. He portioned amongst his
sons, wdro were active and ambitious, the most valuable provinces
of the empire ; where acquiring an influence and strengti), that
cannot be held by an Asiatic subject with safety to the monarch,
they expected with impatience the event that was to determine
their schemes and pretensions. On the death of Aurungzebe, the
sons eagerly took up arms, and after deluging the country with
blood, the war w^as successfully terminated by Bahauder Shah, who
may be said to have mounted the throne of Delhi, from a tnound
of fraternal and .kindred slaughter. — ^Not being endow'cd with ex-
perience, aior perhaps the genius of his father, the officers who go-
verned the provinces, relaxed during his short feign in their al-
legiance, shewing obedience to such orders, as might tend to pro-
mote their own views. The Marhattas, whom Aurungzebe had
nearly subdued by the active efforts of a thirty years w^r, de-
scended, at liis death, from their mountains, and rapidly recovered
the territories from which they had been expel! Previously to
tbe Persian invasion, the subadalis of Dude and theJDecan, having
virtually erected their chiefships into independent slates, com-
manded, without the coniroul of die court, large armies, and dis-
posed of the amount of the revenues, without rendering any ac-
count to the imperial treasury^ The Empire, thus enfeebled, and
governed by a luxurious and indolent prince, invitedNadir Shah
conquest and plunder. The river Attor, the natural western bar-
VOh. I* h -

146

i?o ester’s travels

anti disorders of the times ; when the strong aria,
unrestrained by fear of punishment, bore doMoi
the weaker ; when established rights were sub-
verted, and the private bonds of faith, with
impunity, rent asunder,

SooRiDGE Mull, the chief of the Jatts, com-
menced the campaign by attacking a Mahometan
Jaguirdar*, tlie adherent of Najeb-ud-Dowlah.
But the event of this war, which was fatal to
Sooridge Mullf, did not confer any essential
advantage on Najeh-ud-Dowlah, though he
gained an easy and complete victory over the
enemy: for the districts of Sarunpour had been,
over-run by the Sicques, against whom he was
obliged to march, and to forego the fruits of
his success.

tier of rodia;^ on whose bank Mahomet Shah shonid have stood in
person, was crossed by the Persians without opposition ; and this
inglorious prince, iinw'orthy of the diadem he w'ore of the iOus-
tfious house which had given to the w'orld a Baber, an Akbar, and
m AuTuiigzebe, surrendered to them without drawing his sword, the
wealth ai«l dominions of' Hindostan*-^A' subsequent train' of diver-*
sMed ruin, moving with a rapidity not paralleled in the history of
nalioos, ha^ now left no other vestige of the Moghul empire, than
ihe name of king* ^

^ Moosah Khah, th^' Jagiurdar. of'.Furnicknagur, Z' distnctiying
between Delhi and Agtah. ,

, ' f iSboridge Mall was killed in' December _ 1763, in an action' fought
, on the plains of Ghazia’bad, neat the river Hindia, and about eighteen
Smiles 'distant from Delhi.

PORSTEE’s TEAYfiES. J,47

In’ the autunan of the year 1764, Naieb-ucl-
Dowlah was besieged in Delhi, by a numerous
army of Mahometans, Jatts, and Sicques, collec-
ted by Jewayir Sing, the son of Sooridge BIull,
who had formed sanguine hopes of crushing the
power of Najeb-ud-Dowdah, and revenging the
death of his father. Ghaze-ud-Dcin, who had
brought with him a body of Patans from Fur-
ruckabad, also joined the confederate forces.
After experiencing the distresses of a close siege
of four mon ths, heightened by a scarcity of pro-
visions and money, Najeb-ud-Dowlah prevailed
on Muller Row, the Marhatta officer, to detach
his troops from the army of Jewayir Sing, who,
on the desertion of so powerful an ally, raised
the siege. The relief of Delhi was hastened
also by the arrival of Ahmed Shah Duranny, at
Sirhend, who was approaching with the avowed
purpose of affording succour to Najeb-ud-
Dowlah. This chief had but a short time
breathed from the embarrassments of the late
combination, when he saw that his most active
exertions would be called forth to defend the
territory he held on the u’^estern side of the
Ganges, from the ravages of the Sicques ; — a
people constitutionally adapted for carrying on
the various species of desultory war.

Najeb-uo-Dowlah formed a junction in
the year 1770, with the Marhatta which

148

FORSTER S TRAVELS.

came into Hinclostan under the cominand of
Tiickejei Holcar and Mhadgee Scindia, whom,
according to my Rohilla papers, he had invited
to eiFect the expulsion of the Sicques from the
Duab. Najeb-ud-Dowlah, who had in the lat-
ter period of his life fallen into an infirm state
of health, was seized with a severe illness in the
Marhatta camp. Leaving behind him a part of
his army under the command of Zabilah Khan,
his eldest son, he proceeded towards Rohilcund ;
but the disorder became so violent, that be
could not proceed farther than Happer, a small
town in the Duab, where he died* The body
was carried to Najebad, and interred in a tomb
that had been erected by his order, in the
vicinity of that town, Najeb-ud-Dowlah held
in his own right, and in fief of the Empire, a
tract of country extending from Panifret east-
wards to Najebad ; in the Duab, it was confined
on the north, by Sarunpour, and on the south,
by the suburbs of Delhi; and in Rohilcund, it
reached from the mountains of Siringnaghur, to
the districts of Moradabad t.

The revenue of this territory in its improved
state, was calculated at 100 lacks of rupees ;
but it was reduced to severity, it is said, by the

^ His death liappf‘ned in October 1770.

' , ^ principal towiriiV <Eohi]cund, standing on tlie banks, of the
laiBguhge.^See ,HennelFs,'map, '

rOESTEE’s TEAVELS.

149

depredations sf the Sicques, within a term of
three years ; nor would this amount have been
preserved, had he not displayed in his operation
with those marauders, a distinguished skill in the
alternate exercise of arms, and political address.
The death of Najeb Khan was lamented by the
people whom he governed, and his memory at
this day is respected and beloved throughout the
upper parts of India. He supported the charac-
ter of a gallant soldier ; he encouraged agricul-
ture, and protected commerce; and he was
considered as the only remaining chief of the
Empire, capable of opposing any barrier to the
inroads of the Marhatta and Sicque nations.

foester’s travels.

J5I

SUCCINCT MEMOIRS

«

OT

SHUJAH-UD-DOWLAH.

A VARIETY of materials, sup-
plied by the liberality and investigation of my
friends, lias enabled me to norite an abbreviated
history of the family and life of Shujah-ud-Dow-
iah ; a prince who supported a conspicuous cha-
racter on the theatre of Hindostan, and who,
from his transactions with the English nation
in India, has founded an important epocha in
their annals. Having selected with caution,
and unreservedly commented on the documents
that have come before me, I firmly trust, that
no marks of passion, no design to overcharge,
or suppress facts, will appear in the relation, I
am desirous also of exhibiting a general outline of
the actions of a prince, who stood much above

152

foester’s travels.

mediocritj iu the estimation of his subjects ; that
by a knowledge of his character, and of their
sentiments, some satisfactory opinions may be
formed, of the disposition and moral qualities
of the natives of Hindostan.

Shu jah-0D-Do\vlah, the son of SufdarJung,
b}’- a daughter of Saadut Khan, was born at
Delhi, in the year 1729 of the Christian asra.
Though a long line of illustrious ancestors
be not the strongest tenure of the dominions
held by Indian princes, who are taught to con-
sider fortune, and the power of arms, as the
primary aids in acquiring and maintaining em-
pire ; yet a distinguished descent imparts a lus-
tre and weight to the other qualities of a for-
tunate leader, and he himself beholds it with
ostentatious pleasure. Historical truth calls on
me to do justice to the claims of the family of
Shujah-ud-Dowlah, who, in Mr. Dow’s History
of Hindostan, is denominated “ The infamous
son. of a more infamous Persian pedlar*.” The
ancestors of Shiijah-ud-Dowlah, have for a long
space of time been established in Nishabur, a

* Mr, Dow iiniforniiy endeavours to throw an odium on the fa-
mily and character of the late Visiier. When informed of the op-
probrious terms used by that writer, in discussing the subject of Ms
Domestic History, Simjah-ud-DowIah attributed the language to
the resentment of Mr. Dow, for having been refused the salt-petrc
farm of the Allahabad districts.

rORSTEll’s TKAVELS.

13:S

town of Kborosau, where they held landed pos-
sessions, and were classed amongst the principal
inhabitants of the province.

Dueing my journey through Persia, I had
an opportunity of conversing with some of the
inhabitants of Nishabur, who bore indisputable
testimony to the ancient rank of the family of
Shujah-ud-Dowlah. . That this fact may be more
fully exemplified, though it leads to prolixity,
it is necessary to mention, that Mirzah Nasseer,
the father of the maternal grand-sire* of Shu-
jah-ud-Dowlah, came into Hindostan in the be-
ginning of the reign of Bahaudar Shah f, by
whom he was appointed to an office of trust at
Patna, where his tomb yet remains. Mirza
Nasseer had two sons, the second of whom,
Mahomet Aumeen, on being apprised of the
death of his father, left Persia, and about the
year 1708 visited the court of Furrucksir. He
was appointed by this prince, governor of the
fort of Agrah ; and soon rising to greater ho-
nours, he ultimately became the Viceroy of Oude,
by the title of Saredut Khan Burhaan-ul-Mulck.
By the reduction of this province, which had
long been in a state of rebellion, he acquired a
conspicuous military reputation, and was pro-

^ Saadui Kliani Isititled Burhaan-uI-Mulck, ‘

f This tjiiiperor commenced his reign in, 1707,; and died in 171S.

J5i

forstbr’s travels.

moted to the olfice of Darogha Khas *, with the
titular command of 7000 horse.

About this time, Mahomet Muckeim, after-
wards iutitled Sufdar Jung, the nephew of Saa-
dut Khan, came into India, and had the daugh-
ter of his uncle given to him in marriage ; of
which, Shudah-ud-Dowlah was, I believe, the
only male issue. Sufdar Jang, who was active,
and possessed useful abilities, became the de-
puty of Saadut Ivhan in the government of
Oude.

In the middle periods of Mahomet Shah’s f
reiga, the Marhattasf at the instigation, it is
supposed, of the Nizam Ul MuIckJ, who was
then at variance with the court, entered the Em-
peror’s dorainions, and committed severe devas-
tations; but in attempting to penetrate iptp
Oude, they were aftackedv and after a sharp
conflict, completely routed by the troops of Saa-
dut Khan, M'ho coraniaiided in person. This
oflicer afterwards joined the imperial army,
which had been collected for the purpose of ex-
pelling the enemy ; but on a pretence of some
disgust, he kft the camp and retired into Oude,

•f' ^ Darogha Klias^ , an officor^of nearly the '<Icscriptio» with
the Master of the Kbg^s Household in EiiglaiicL ‘ "

f This Pribce succeeded to the ihroiieia 17!§^ ami died hr 1747.,
^'4 "riie lather of dhe present’ ; -

Forster’s travels.

155

without having seen the Emperor. It has been
supposed that Saadut Khan, in conjunction
with Nizam Ul Mulck, invited Nadir Shah into
India, with the assurance of a powerful inte-
riour assistance, and an easy conquest of the
Empire. This supposed fact, has been subscri-
bed to b}’’ Mr. Dow in his History of Hindostan,
with positive decision in favour of its authen-
ticity; and it is partially noticed in the History
of Nadir Shah, by Mr. Fraser, who has treated
his subject with candour, and generally with
perspicuity. This, writer assserts, that Saadut
Khan was engaged in a treacherous negotiation,
which the disaffected nobles of Delhi were said
to have maintained with the court of Persia ;
blit here I must observe, though it diverts the
immediate object of my research, that Fraser’s
assertion stands unaccompanied by any detail of
events, descriptive of the benefit which Saadut
lihan derived from the invasion : nor has he
quoted, in support of it, any specific authority.
If a probable conclusion, indeed, is to be drawn
from Fraser’s relation of the conduct of Saadut
Khan, during the Persian war, I would with
little hesitasion say, that the Governor of Oude
held no share in, the councils or favour of Nadir
Shah. For had he obtained the protectioti of
that Prince, to which he stood entitled from fhe
services imputed to him, it is not probable that;

i56

fojister’s tratels.

so large a share of the disaster of the Delhi arm}i
at Karnal, would have fallen on this officer.

Iir a passage of Fraser’s history, it is seen, 1
think, that Saadut Khan could not have held a
confidential correspondence with the Persian,
or experienced any portion of his indulgence.
Fraser says, “ Before I relate the treacherous
“ correspondence * carried on between Nizam
“ Saadut Khan, and Nadir Shah, the invi-
“ tation they gave him to march towards Hin-
“ dostan, which was the principal motive that
“ encouraged him to undertake the expedition,
“ 1 shall,” &c. — And in the other part of the
book it is mentioned, that on Nadir’s approach
towards the capital, Saadut Khan received or-
ders to join the Delhi army, and that he had
already crossed the Ganges, when he was di-
rected to return to Oude. It bad been resolved
in the councils of Mahomet Shah, which were
distracted and wavering, that the army‘shoukl
take the field under the command of the Vizier;
and that the Emperor, protected by the forces
of Saadut Khan, should remain at Delhi. This
Omrab was required to undertake the charge,
but an ill state of health at that time detained
him in Oude. He arrived in February 1735,
in the camp of Mahomet Shah, who receding

V ‘ , * There is no, future mention 'made of the;correspoi:idene«*

15*

rORSTEtt’s TRAVELS.

ftom his former (iftcrminatlou, had joined the
army. On (he day of Saadnt Khan’s junction •
rvith the imperial forces, his camp teas attacked
and plundered by a body of Persian troops,
who slew many of his attendants, Saadnt Khan
on receiving information of the disaste' left
the Kings apartments, where he had been in
waiting, and hastened to the assistance of his
party. Khan Dowrah, the imperial genefal
marched to the relief of Saadnt Khan, and in I
short tune, most of the imperial officers ofiMa-
hornet Slnah, wJio commanded separate bodies
came into action. Nadir Shah, seeing the.
contest -become obstinate and serious, apoeared
himself at the head of his troops, who then were
irresistible, and a complete victory was gained
over the Delhi army, which suffered a severe
loss in men and officers. Khan Dowrah was
mortally wounded : his eldest son, with many
Omrahs, were slain ; and Saadut Khan fell into
the hands of the enemy. In the army of Nadir
it is said, that 2500 soldiers, with seven prin-
cipal officers, were killed, and that 5000 men
were wounded. After the engagement. Nadir
Shah ordered a tent to be pitched near his own
tpiarters, for the acccommodation of Saadut
Khan, and two other Omrahs of Mahomet Shall.

1= TJie anwy was circamiifd at karual, about 100 milw to Um.
westward of Delhi. ' , . ; : - ^ '

fohster’s travels.

iss

The baggage of these officers was stationed on
the outside of the camp, together with their
servants, none of whom were permitted to
attend them,' nor were they allowed to make
use of their own provisions. — Little farther
mention is made of Saadut Khan by Mr. Fraser
after this affair, than that he was appointed to
guard the city of Delhi, on the day of Nadir
Shah’s first entrance.' — This writer likewise says,
that Nadir Shah, summoning Saadut Khan
before him on the Sth of March 1735, repre-
hended him in harsh language for being the
cause of impeding the collection of the imposts*,
and that on the next day, Saadut Khan died,
having been before weak and indisposed. Mr.
Fraser concludes his relation of Saadut Khan,
by observing, that some imagined he died
through anger of the abusive reproach of Nadir;
and others are of opinion, that jealousy pro-
voked him to take poison f.

Mr. Fraser’s relation of the conduct of Saadut
Khan, the spirit of which is strictly adhered to,
now awaits a dispassionate decision, which is to
determine the probable truth of Saadut Khan’s
invitation of Nadir Shah into India. This
author, who has unquestionably left us a vMua-

^’■A tax hid by Kadk, ,shah. , on the ' mhabitants of Delhi ^

' ' f It was believed at Delhi, that Saadot^dkdyoftlie 'effects* of aa '

forstek’s travels.

ble tract ot Indian liistory, in other passages of
bis book, observes, that tb.e Persian Prince
shewed marks of indulgence and liberality to
many of Mahomet Shah’s Omrabs, but no ex-
ample is brought foinvard of his munificence, or
even lenity, having been extemled to Saaclut
Khan. On the contrary, it is seen, that Saadut
Khan suffered severely in the action of Karnal,
and was subsequently treated tvith much rigour.

SuFDAK .Tung, M’ho resided at Oude at the
period of Saadut Khan’s death, succeeded to the
Government; an appointment, according to
the tradition of the family, conferred on him
by Nadir Shah: yet I am induced to believe,
from the liberal conduct of the Persian to Ma-
homet Shah, that Sufdar Jung received the
promotion at the hands of his own sovereign.
Sufdar Jung, after the march of the Persian
army from Delhi, came to court, where he ob-
tained the office of Bleer Atush, or grand
master of the ordnance.

In the year 1746’, Ahmed Shah, tbeDuranny,
*invaded Ilindostan, and had advanced to Sir-
hcTKl, where he was successfully opposed by the
Delhi army, in which Sufdar Jung had a con-
siderable charge. Soon after the accession of
Ahmed Shah * to the throne, Sufdar Jung was
advanced to the Vizarut, and his son, Shujah-

♦ Thh print •€ comiueaced his 3747.

rollSTEE’s TRAVEES,

I GO

ufl-DowlaL, to the command of the ordnance-
But a strong party at court, composed of
Ghazc-ud'Dein*, Najeb-ud-Dowlah, the Ro-
iiilia chief, and Tameid Khan, a court eunuch,
prevailing against the interest of Sufdar Jung-,
he was compelled to leave Delhi ; but not before
he had cut otf Janied Khan, whom he caused
to be assassinated in his ovvn house, at an
entertainment given to the eunuch.

Sufdar Jung, having collected a large force,
invaded the Imperial territories, and laid siege*
to the capital, u hieh was closely invested for the
spaceofbixmonths. Heisaccused of committing
many enormities and wanton acts of violence du-
ring the siege, particularly of cannonading the
palace, the destruction of which could not have
facilitated the capture of the fort. The court
of Delhi was compelled to accede to the terms
of the rebel, who required a formal grant of the
provinces of Oude and Allahabad, for himself
and his heirs. — Sufdar Jung died in the year
1754, during the reign of Alumguir Sani, and
was succeeded in the subahdarry of Oude, by'
his son Shujah-ud-DowlahJ, then about twenty-

* llie grandson of tlie great
f This event happened In 1753.

I The domestic name of ibis prince was Tillah-iid-Dein II}.*
tier, flis father, who w'as in the Oude province during tlie
birth of bhirjah-iid'-l>owiah> built, in the neighbourhood of Turk*
no’w, the fort of Trlialiabad, in commenapration of the <?vent.

fOKSTEU’s THAVEIiS.

161

five years of age. As the design of this work
does not admit of any enlargement on the sub-
ject of Sufdar Jung, it will suffice to say, that
his disposition was severe, often cruel ; and that
his rapacious avarice threw uncommon odium
on his name.

To illustrate the commencement of Shudah-
ud-Dowlah’s public life, it is necessary to describe
the situation of the court of Delhi at that period.
Ghaze-ud-Dein, who had in 1753 deposed and
deprived of sight Ahmed Shah, raised to the
throne Almnguir Sani, whose eldest son Aly-
Ghdhir, fearing the treacherous disposition
and ill designs of the minister, fled from Delhi*.
This prince, accompanied by a small body of
IMarhattas, levied for a few months, a scanty
contribution in the districts lying to the south-
ward of the capital. But being soon involved
‘in embarrassments from so slender a provision,
he solicited the aid of the Bohilla, Najeb Khan,
who refusing to engage in his cause, he retired
into the territory of Shujah-ud-Dowlah. The
prince was treated for a certain time with hospi-
tality and respect at Oude; but could not obtain
any military aid : and being at length- civilly
dismissed, he proceeded to Allahabad, which‘ was
then held by Mahomet Khuli-Khan, a native of

. * Tius happei'ie4

• rot, t K

162

FOHSTEK’s IKXVhlJS.

Persia, and a cousin-german of Shujali-ud-Dow-
lah. Mahomet Khuli, readily entering into the
schemes of the prince, which were directed at
the reduction of the provinces of Bahar and Ben-
gal, the joint forces crossed the Caramnassa,
and were, after various successes, defeated in
17^1, by the English troops, at Suan, The
honourable and humane treatment which Aly-
Ghohir experienced during his residence in the
English camp, created a jealousy in Cassum Ali
Khan, who from the recent testimony of the
prince’s hostility to his interests, and seeing also
the English officer much attached to his person,
expressed a virulent dislike of the connection.
The prince accused Cassum of fomenting those
dissensions in his army, which ultimately pro-
duced a desperate mutiny; when he probably
would have suffered much indignity, had he not
been protected by the English army. This
event induced Aly-Ghohir to retire into the do-
minions of ^hujah-ud-DowIah, who received the
fugitive king * in a manner expressive of zea-
lous attachment, and avowed himself the cham-
pion of the royal cause.

To illustrate an event in the history of Shujah-
ud-Dowlah, we must advert to the annals of a

i

* At Ms penod* Ali Ohohir lud nomiuallj succeeded to
Ilie hj tile title <if Sliali Alum* His father died m

FOESTEll*S TKATEJ.S.

163

former period, and notice its origin. Sufdar
Jung had appointed to the command of Allaha-
bad, his nephew Mahomet Khuli Khan, who, on
the accession of Shujah-ud-Dowlah, seems to
have wholly withdrawn himself from the autho-
rity of the court of Oude. Aware of the popu-
larity and military abilities of this officer, Shu-
jah-ud-Dowlah did not prosecute any directly
hostile measures against Allahabad, During
his expedition into Bahar, Mahomet Khuli had
placed the government of his possessions in the
hands qf N udjef Khan ; the chief, who at a fu-
ture period became so conspicuous in the upper
parts of Indict; ' Shujah-ud-Dowlah, embracing
the favourable' occasion of Mahomet Khuti’s ab-
sence, advanced with a small army towards the
limits of Allahabad. He maintained an amica-
ble intercourse with Nudjef Khan, whom he
amused by solemn protestations of attachments
to the welfare of Mahomet Khuli ; and repre-
sented, that the Duranny invasion had induced
him to come into that quarter to solicit an asy-
lum for his family in the fort of Allahabad, as
his own country possessed no place of equal
safety. Nudjef Khan would hot psten tq the
request, but waited the instructions of |fahb-
met Khuli, who directed^ that Shujah-ud-i>ow-
lah’aiaffiily should be admitted into tlie fortress
with a certain number of da^eatic :^fiard9. It

mi

FOKSTER’S TEAVEI.S.

iS said, that Shujah-ud-Dowlah introduced into
tile femaie equipages a body of armed men, who
i-ashed oa the garrison, and took the fort with-
out any effusion of blood. This capture, which
happened about the year 1761, rendered the af-
fairs of Mahomet Khuli desperate, and obliged
him to become a dependent on the bounty of
Shujah-ud-Dowidh ; wdio, in the coui-se of few
months, threw him, on a charge of state crimes,
into prison. ISfahomet Khuli, from his valour
and iiberalit}’, was held in high estimation in
tlie Ottdc arnn^, which in loud murmurs, and
in comparisons not favourable to their prince,
warmly lamented his misfortunes. Nudjef Khan,
on the capture of Allahabad, had entered into
tlie se vice of Shujah-ud-Dowlab, and exerted
himself with a zeal that eudangeted his own
safety, to procure the release of Mahomet
Khuli* ; but this officer had become an object

■4

* IVIalioniet Khiili was cut otf at the fort of Tillalabail

disclo»e<i an evil, wMch is usually seen tq pervadp Asiatic
states, A despotic Prince cannot always impart so full a force to
his system of tyranny, as to shape to the spirit of its edicts, the
minds oik! language of his subjects. Without the compendious
sarage aid of tho dagger, the road to conquest and empire w’ould
not perhaps have been so widely opened to a Timur, a Madh Shah,
or, hi our clay, to a Ilyder AIL When Shujah-ud-DoWlah had
formed the resolution of cutting otf Mahojaet Khuli, he had not
yet cmmiiickted the struciurc of hk goYeniment. The officers of
hh army, 4\m sians, Moghuls, or Afgiis|ns, w^ere daring turbulent
me’n, aihl had cla‘pxs of pay, saw iii Mahomet^ Khdh

iroKSTE*’® THAVBtir.

165

of such dread at the court of Oiule, from the
rumours incessantly circulated in his favour,
that the fears of Shujah-ud-Dowlah were not al-
layed until the destruction of his prisoner had
been compleated by assassination. Shujah-ud-
Dowlah obtained from the King the appoint-
ment of Vizier ; and being now possessed of a
numerous army, and the imperial person, he
might justly be considered the most powerful
chief in Hindostan.

In the year 1763, the war broke out between
the English and Cassum Ali Khan, which, after
a diversified train of success and disasters, ter-
minated in Cassum ’s expulsion from the province
of Bengal, and his retreat, in the latter end of
the same year, with the remains of his troops,
and a large treasury, into the dominions of

a brave soldier of distinguished birth, of liberal and popular man-
ners. had witnessed the former treachery of Slnijah-nd-

Dowlah to him, and suspected his future purposes. Though thif
Prince dreaded the formidable qualities of Mahomet Khuli; he
equally dreaded a formal indulgence of his wishes. Had he sum-
moned this oSicer to a trial, or publicly ordered his death, the
danger of a revolution would have been incurred: for tiie low-
state of his treasury, a long arrear, and an inherent dehekney of
military genius in the Prince, had strongly opeftited In dirainmhmg
the subordination of the army. But such was tlie tebwus »e-
cepity of the measure,^ the miserable policy qf a
^despot, that he was compelled to maintam the safety .of hh person,
and th^ govcTBitmnt of Ws country, by Ite seeM ^tab of a
pqniard ? ^ ^ ^ ^ H ^

166

Forster’s THAVEts.

ShuJah-ud-Dow!ab. The Bengal. Government,
which had been long duped by the' evasive
replies of the Vizier to the repeated remonstrance
of his succouring their enemy, discovered that
he had drawn his army to Benares, and was
preparing to invade Bahai-, in conjunction with
Cassum Ali. A letter w'hich he addressed to
the government ofBengal, peremptorily avowed
his intentions. In arrogant and contemptuous
language he says, “ that the English, abusing
** the favours conferred on them by the Ehipe-
“ rors of Hindostan, have fomented disturbances
“ in the empire ; and that instead of limiting
their exertions to trade, as became merchants,
“ they interfered in the imperial affairs, exalt-
" ing and deposing at pleasure^; the servants
“ of the crown. He calls upon them to justify
*' their actions, and to withdraw forthwith, all
“ their people from the King’s domibions ; and
* ‘ in the event of disobedience, threatens them
“ with the royal displeasure, which he deno-
minated The 'type of God’s wrath.” Though
Shujah-ud-Dowlah had buoyed up Cassum Ali
with the promise of rc-instating him in the pro-
vinces, we cannot easily believe, that the man
who has been recently seen betraying and
cutting off bis Itinsbaan, who held both the
ciaims of friendship a^^

['■W. ,?»amifcst nnd. great' ad vantajge,.;,''; incut';

Forster’s 'IEAvees.

167

of fortune and life, in the cause of a stranger.
Had the arms of the Vizier prevailed in the
course of the war, the general tenour of his
actions supports a fair conjecture, that he would
without a scruple have annexed the conquered
country to his own dominions.

In the course of the year 17^4, intelligence
was received at Calcutta, that the forces of the
Vizier and Cassum Ali, with some few troops
attached to the King, had penetrated inta the
-vicinity of Patna; whither our troops, on the
approach of the combined army, had precipi-
tately retired. The enemy being afterwards
repulsed in assaulting the European trenches,
retreated towards the river Soane, where the
Vizier made pacific advances to the English
officer, who had been authorized to negociate,
but pointedlfr directed to demand, in the pre-
fimihfty. artides the surrender of Sombrq, and
jEuropean deserters*.^^^^ purpose of the
Vizier, in the desire he had shewn of obtaining
a peace, was only to procure a cessation of
hostility, that he might recruit his army. It
has been even said, that he endeavoured to
bring over to his cause Jaffier Ali Khan, whom
the English, on the expulsion of Cassu^ had
a second time advanced to the gofa^ent

to the

168 FOESTEIl’s TSAVELS.

of the provinces. The Vizier, at a future
period, did not disavow this supposed corre-
spondence, which appears to have been conducted
on the part of Mecr Jaffier, by Nundocomar*,
\rho gave the Vizier an assurance of his master’s
iudination to form a separate treaty. Shujah-
ud-Dowlah had derived an essential advantage
from the fears of Cassum Ali, now seriously
alarmfd by the repulse at Patna; and having
first Inveigled away his European and best
native troops, he stripped him of the largest
part of his treasure, and military stores. The
drift of the Vizier’s negociations becoming
notoriously manifest, it was resolved that the
English army should move towards his camp,
and decide the contest in the field ; which, after
a gallant action of five hours, gave a complete
victory to the English f.

The defeat at Buxar produced obstiriate
difficulties to the political and military caieer
of the* Vizier, who on that event was deserted
by aW his allies. Shah Alum, in a condition ill

* The person xvhp suffered death aj Cakutta^ by a sentence
of the Supreme Court for fergery.

f The English army consisted of H57 Europeans, and 6215
mtife |rG0p% of which, tOI turopeans, and
JtiHed and wounded* ^ 1 he artny ^ Shujah-ud-BowIah ii^isoinpu^
ted at 40,000 men, ^OOO of whom it is said were slain in battle*
The atdllf rj taken by the in, the ahd in pursuit

of the enemy, amounted to pieces of variaui sfees*

¥obster’s travels.

i6'n

suited to the title he bore, sought an asylum
in the English camp, and loudly accused Shu-
jah-ud“Dowlah of having forced the royal au-
thority into becoming an instrument of his
ambition, and a sanction of his hostile designs
against the English. This was the second time
that the unfortunate Shah Alum bad taken
refuge in an English army. Here let me direct
the view of the reader to the revolutions which,
within no wide compass of time, have affected
the empire of Hindostan : where at the close he
will behold, with an awe and wonder that must
humble the proudest of us to the dust, the
illustrious house of Timur shaken to its foun-
dation.

In the reign of Aurungzebe*, it may, with-
out any violation of truth, be said, that Hin-
dostan, whether for its wealth, magnitude, or
military resource, was the most distinguished
empire in the Asiatic world. It mast also be
noticed, that the English, at that period, 'were
not known beyond the sea-coasts of India,
where they occupied, under various restrictions,
the profession of merchants. Behold the scene
presented in our day, of the feeble princes of
Delhi, where a near successor of the great Au-
rungssebe, impelled by the destruction* of hjs

' *■ i *

* TCt prince died ia 1707, h^viog reigned wkf fifly year*.

m

rORSTXU’s TittAVBlt.S.

fortunes, is seen soliciting, in a country so
lately under the dominion of his ancestors,
maintenance, and protection from an English
subject*.

The Vizier, who had now severely felt the
superiority of the English arms, shewed a serious
desire of peace, but still refused to submit to
the terms of the preliminary article, in the
manner required by the Bengal Government.
He refused to deliver up Cassum Ali, and Sam-
bro, but promised to employ some convenient
instrument in destroying the one, and to expel
the other from his territories. This mode of
qualifying tlie article, not being acceded to,
Colonel Munro marched with the army to
Benares. The desertion of a party of Europeans,
and the retreat of our troops towards jPatna, on
his entering the Bahar province, had given him
sanguine hopes of success, which were wholly
dissipated by the defeat at Buxar : and from
that period, he began to model his army on a
plan not before practised by the princes
of India. The author f of a valuable ma-
nuscript, which has largely aided this compila-

t /

* This fact Kas been again exempliiied in the person of
bcliaiiidhar Sbah, the eldest son of Sbab Alnin; wlio, by tiie inter-
position of the Bengal Goveramentr lecoives- a pension of three
lacks of rupees onfc of the Oude revenue.

f Colonel Polier.

171

Forster’s travels.

tion, says, that the sera, of the real consequence
and power of the Vizier may be dated from the
battle of Buxar. Conformably to an usage not
unfrequent in Hindostan, this prince had coK
lectec! a larger army than the sources of his
country could maintain ; and even where the
funds are competent, military payments are
ever distributed in the native armies with a
griping hand ; though the most pernicious ef-
fects are often produced by this fallacious
system The strength of the Vizier’s army,
consisting of cavalry, and a cumbrous body of
artillery, was composed of many nations and
tribes, but chiefly of Moghuls. These men,
naturally violent and licentious, ill-brooked the
failure of payment, and on every demand of
arrears, either caused dangerous tumults, or
forced expedients that were injurious to the
civil government of his country. Orders of
payment were granted on the farmers, or mana-
gers of districts, on whom these soldiers lived
at discretion, until the amount was discharged j
giving a loose to every species of disorder, and
barely leaving a sum sufficient for supplying the
other exigencies of the state. But the defeat
he sustained at Buxar, relieved the Vizier from
/yhis, 'embamteracrfts:" fo'r, the'^Mogoiil
without making one spirited effort to sustain
the battle, were the first of his troops that left

172

.SOKSTEK’s tHAVELS-

tlie field; and conscious, it should seem, of their
|>usiilanin-ioas conduct, they irever retur ed to
his stand aid.

The English arniy advanced from Benares to
invest Chunar-Ghnr; but after making two un-
successful assaults, it returned to Benares. Bul-
wunt Sing> the Hindoo chief of the province,
had acconspanied tiie Yizier in the campaign
against the English, with a party of troops,
which were stationed on the north side of the
Ganges, opposite to the Buxar plain. After the
battle, he widuirew himself from the Vizier, and
having effected an accommodation with Colonel
Munro, he joined the English army : but alarm-
ed at the repulse of Ghunar-Ghur, and the Vi-
zier’s approach, he suddenly deserted Benares,
and his new connexion. ; <

C'onoxEt, Munro, resigning about this pe-
riod^' the comniand of the army, was succeeded
by Major Fletcher, who immediately marched
out of Benares, and pursued the Vizier, who
imd already invested the town aa far as jiian-
pour. He formed the army into two divisions,
one of which, under^^ M^ Stihbert, reduced
tile fort of ChnnafoGhiuv and afterwards pene-
trated into the iaforior parts of the Vizier's
cpunti'y the other di vision Tic led himself iptd
the Alfehabad districts, ddiich were subjected,

ilir'year IfiBk

FOa<iTEIl*S TRAVELS.

i?3

The Vizier, not able to oppose the success of
these parties, called iu a body of Marhattas, who
entered his country on the side of Corah
and weie defeated by the English army, then
commanded by General Carnact- The Mar-
hattahs were attacked a second time b}' this
officer, at Ackbarpour ami driven from their
ground; though not befoie they had plundered
a great part of the European baggage. They
were soon obliged to cross the Jumna, which
they passed at the ford of Culpee, where they
made a stand ; but after a short actibn were
wholly dispersed. The Vizier had invited the
ISfarhattas into Oude, without making any pro-
vision for the payment of their subsidy ; and,
fearful that this failure might prompt them to
commit an outrage on his person, or create tu-
mults in his army, he never joined their party.
The affairs of the Vizier had now fallen to a
low ebb; he had lost the greater part of his
country, his army was thinned by desertions,
and he was without a treasury, or an ally, Afte’
the battle of Buxar§, full of alarms and de-

^ Tills district, which is situated in the AU4habac| fefmteiy, if
bordered by the Jumna.
j In May 1753-

J In May or 1765- ^

§ Justice to a cluracter, already distinguished^ for

hberahty mi valour> calls on me to note m 'the name c*

Ahmed Khan Bunglishi the Navaub ol ; who when

1T4

FORSTEa’s tRA-VZhS.

spondency, he had retired into Rohilcund, where
he solicited an asylum for his family, and the
assistance of the Rohillas. Hafiz Kahmut re-
ceived him with hospitality, and the respect due
to his rank.: he afforded him every domestic
conveniency, but earnestly advised a peace with
the English, as the certain medium of retrieving
the desolated states of his fortunes. Destitute
of every resource for maintaining a war, and
dismayed by ill fortune, the Vizier at length re-
lolved to throw himself unreservedly on the
clemency of the English. He dispatched Mon-
sieur Gentilj a French gentleman, to the En-
glish camp*, to obtain an actual knowledge of
the disposition of his enemies. This agent de-
livered to the commanding officer, an address
from the Vizier, couched in a tenour far different
from his former letters. He observed that the
animosities which had arisen between them, must
be attributed to the dispensations of Providence :
that of this he had now manifest witness by the
events which had been |^^oduced, and that he

urged by Colonel Monro, after the action of Buxar, to assist In
completing the overthrow of Shujah-od-Dowlah, who had ever
been the avowed enemy of his house, said that his honour forbade
him to carry arms against the vanquished.

* Nudjef Khan wm employf d also by the Vizier on this occasion
to negociate with the English ; but that' officer was more ^seriously
engaged in accomplishing his own purposes, than m procuring
tOTTO his m,ai|t«r.

Forster’s travels.

176

was determined to commit himself to the jus-
tice of the illustrious English chiefs, constant
and unchangeable in their friendship. In the
conclusion, written by himself, he says, “ I re-
“ gard not wealth, nor the rule of dominion;
“ your friendship and favour are all I desire.

“ I will, please God, soon be with you ; •when
“ you may do that for me, which you may
“ think best. ” Lord Clive, who at this time had
arrived in Bengal, was empowered by the Go-
vernment, in conjunction with General Carnac,
to negociate with the Vizier'; and having met
him at Allahabad^ in the month of August,

1 76‘5, a treaty of peace was finally concluded.
The substance wa^, — That there should be a
perpetual treaty of peace between the contract-
ing parties. — ^That in the event of the dominions
of either being invaded, a military aid should
be furnished by the other.— -That the Vizier is
not to receive Cassum Ali, Sombro, or any
English deserters into his service. —That Corah
and Allahabad be ceded to the King. — That

fulwunt Sing be continued in the zemindary of
enares, which is to be considered a fief of the
Subahdary of Ouder-r-And that Chunar-Ghur,
a fort in tire province, be giveti up to the En-
glish, That no duties? be collected oja the mer-
chandize joi the Coinpany, m aaf^part of the
country of the Vizier. That all such subjects

pokstee's teatels.

T7G

or relations of the Vizier, who ipay have assisted
the English during the late war, he pardoned ; —
and, That this treaty remain in force with the
descendants of the Vizier.

Thus was Shujah-iid-Dowlah restored to the
possession of his dominions by the victoiious
English, after having been reduced by their
arms to the verge of ruin. The terms granted
to him, breathe a liberal heroic spirit, and con-
spicuously distinguished the mind from which
they sprang. The memory of the Indian hero,
ill merits the stain impressed on it by Bfr. Dow,
who says, “ Shujah-,ud-Dowlah, was still pos--
sessed of wealth, and the virtue of the con-
“ querors, was by no means propf against temp-
“ tation.” — But it is a ‘^uppuwfced %.the
purest authority, that Lord Clf^e obstinately
rejected every offer of gratuity, made to him
by the Vizier. Exclusive * of the articles of the

♦ *1 lie act of rc-iiwtating tlie Vi^sier in his domiiiioDy not onl j
to eacait character of the British natjon, hut ww
-itrktfy to IhO priiiclpk® ®f sound policy* It e? iaces also

a foresight which is giievousiy verified in the events of succeediog
tiipes. LoVd la hfe letter to the Coiapany, says» ** Out r#’
btonog to Shujai^'od-Oowlali, the whole of his doiniaioas, pr|u
«*' ceeds laore^ froi^ of aot e^steadiag the

territorial poaessihus^ than the geaerom |^licy
“ for ever to our iuterests hy gratitude ; thoii,gh thif
ap|)areat, aad is hy 'ttmight t# h& fte r^I
“ #e attempted to leeiala thoooa'faefe^

woold soon th^ a

pket Th^ estahllshmeat ofuA iacr^ased ariny mhit heea

FOKSTEE’s TBATEtS.

177

treaty, a private agreement, entered into by the
qontracting parties, stipulated, on the part of
the Vizier, a payment of fifty lacks of rupees to
the Eiio’li-sh Government, for defraying the es-
pence* of the war; as the English at this period,
did not oslensibly interfere in the administration
of the Bengal provinr ial aflfairs ; which on the
deatli of Meer Jaffier had devolved on his son
Nuzzuin-ud-Doulab.

The treaty entered into with Shujah-ud-Dow-
Idh, was executed by this prince, on one part,
and on the other, by the Subahdar of Bengal, in
conjunction with Lord Clive : but that all

added to your list, and more chi^fships appointed. Acts of op-
pressioa and innumerable abuses would have been committed,
wliicb, at such a distance from the presidency, could neither
have been prevented, ur remedied; and must infallibly have laid
the foundation ot another war. Our old privileges andposseasiom
would have been endangered by every s^ply we might l»ve
been tempted to alibrd in support of the new, and the natives
must have finally triumphed in our inability to sustain the weight
of our OWE ambition.^’ — In India, it is to be note4 donations are
presented io men of power, or those who are supposed to indiience
them, for personal protection, and for the security or acquisition of
property, A rejected offer is the established signal of displeasure#
mi either^ Indicates Its insuflciency, or that some more adequate
reward has been already preferred. Shujah-ud-DowIah was at fct
alarmed at the conduct of Lord Clive, whose refuse pft
wm construed Into ja dkpositioii inimical to his interests, l^tlhis
ptmee beheld the soldlef s magnammiiy with
thft ^elusion of the treaty, he received^ in :ilC,*pship;

a dhf ctf Moderate valuf. ^ ^

,TOL t. W

i78

roftSTEll’s TRAVELS.

future embarrassments might be obviated, a dc-
iegatccl power, authorizing the English India
Company to manage and controul the revenues
of the provinces, was obtained from the king.
It was also stipulated, that in consideration of
the appointment of Nuzzum-ud-Dowlah to the
military and executive government of the pro-
vinces, and his grant* of the civil jurisdiction
to the English, the sum of twenty-six lacks, of
rupeesf should be annually paid to the king, out
of the revenues of Bengal. The districts of
Allahabad and Corah were at the same time
dismembered from the Vizier’s territory, and
ceded to Shah Alum, that he might be enabled
to maintain, without a restraint, the dignity of
his station.

Though he amply experienced the liberality
of the English, the Vizier had sutFered impor-
tant injuries during the war. From the revenue
of Oude, which with certain districts of Allaha-
bad, was computed at one hundred and sixty
lacks of rupees, the cession of Corah and Allaha-
bad, had deducted thirty-six lacks; and the
ravages of his own army, with the incursions of

It is teriiiedilie

f 'From this a pension of two lacki of rupees 'was bis-

slowed, attbe intercession of' the ''JEbglisb, on Nudjef Khan, wh^
wak thought' to. have 'rendered tbepi servk* dtiringthe latter part of
fceBiide war,

FOHSTER*S Ta.i.T£I.S.

179

our troops, who had proceeded as far as Luck-
now, caused a farther decrease of the general
produce of his country. — In acknowledgement
for the cession w'hich had been made, Shah
Ullum invested the Vizier with the hereditary
possession of the province of Oude.

This prince was now seen to apply with a
vigilant assiduity to the administration of his
affairs. The revenue department was commit-
ted to the charge of men of ability and credit,
who in the space of a few years enabled him to
discharge a large debt, and to accumulate a
fund for the supply of public, exigencies.

On his arrival at Oude, after the Allahabad
treaty, he called together, it is said, his princi-
pal officers, and making knowm to them the
engagements he had made with the English,
he desired their aid in performing the obliga-
tion. Through this mode of requisition, which
is often practised by the princes of India in time
of need, the Vizier obtained some aid ; though
far short of his necessities. His Begum, seeing
the difficulties that surrounded him, and the
distressed state of his mind, divested herself of
the jewels, and other valuable ornaments she
possessed, and entreated that the amount might
be applied to the arrangement- of his aflairs.
It is mentioned, .that Shujah-ud-Dowlah was so
warmly affected by this mark of the Begum’s

W SI

ISO

?orstek’s travels.

attac1in:ent, which wholly removed his emhar-
rassmciih that he solemnly swore, he would
never, rvhife he resided in the same place, ab-
sent himself from her apartment after a certain
hour of the night ; and that he would thence-
forth ever esteem her his faithful friend and
counsellor. Nor does it appear that he deviated
from the vow he made to the Begum, who be-
came from that day the repository of his trea-
sure, and all his secret transactions.

The defeat at Buxar, having relieved the
Vizier from the maintenance of a turbulent
crowd of cavalry, he began to introduce in hia
army, a system of order and regular payment.
He had seen that the excellency of the European
troops consisted in diseipline, the quality of
their arms, and the skilful management of artil-
lery. He therefore made strenuous and un-
ceasing efforts in forming a body of infantry,
with its requisite establishment of cannon, after
the European manner. The undertaking was
arduous, and such as few Asiatic princes could
have executed. But the genius, activity, and
perseverance of Shujah-ud-Dowlali, surmounted
the various obstacles, which roofed prejudice
and constitutional habit had raised to opjpose
him. Under the direction of some Erenchnien
whom he had invited into his service, au ar-
sehal was foanded at Eyzeab^, where gunsj;

yoaSTEli’s TRAVELS.

i8i

musquets and sliot, with other military stores,
were fab ricaleil with skill and cxpedition.-~From
this new magazine, about ten battalions of in-
fantry, arsd a small traiii of artillery, were equip-
ped. Though this body was formed at the ex-
pence of large sums, and much labour, such
judicious arrangements had been adopted for the
g’o\’ernment of his country, that sufficient funds
were created to defray the charge, and to pro-
duce a respectable treasury. ■ The cavalry,
which at the battle of Buxar amounted to
30.000, appears at this time to have been, re-
duced to little more tlian 5,000 men. The
Vizier derived an essential benefit from the En-
glish garrison, that was stationed at Allahabad,
which keeping that quarter in awe, relieved him
from the necessary expence of protecting a fron-
tier country.

In' the year ]7d8, Shujah-ud-Dowlah saw
himself in the possession of a well appointed
army, a treasury competent to its charge, and
a flourishing productive territory. This quick
progress, in endeavouring to dissolve the sub-
ordinate connection into which he had been
forced, and to extend his power, attracted the
notice of Colonel Smith, who was statipned at
Allahabad.— ^This ojfficer repreknted
:''of''Oude, ' as,' dangerous 'to:' 'the.

nation'i;-'''ahd'demandpg:-an'Tift#«diit^''ihtei^^

182

torster’s travels.

tion. The council, roused by this information,
deputed Messrs. Cartier, Russell, and Colonel
Smith, to the Vizier, to expostulate on the ten-
dency ©f Ms military preparations ; which indi-
cated, they observed, a want of confidence in
their friendship and support. The deputies held
a conference with the Vizier at Benares, in the
month of November 1768 ; when, after much
acrimonious altercation, he consented, though
with a deep mortification and reluctance, to
limit the strength of his troops to the following
number and denomination : '

Cavalry, — — — 10,000

Ten battalions of sepoys, including*

officers of every rank, — 10,000

The Nujjeeb regiment of matchlock-

men — 5,000

A corps of Artillery, not to exceed 500
Irregulars, not to be clothed, disci-
plined, or armed, after the man-
ner of the English sepoys, or
Nu^eeb regiment, — - 9,500

35,000

Thi Vizier considered this restrictioji
less unjust, than it was disgr^scef^l to him; httf

inci^ble of avowedly

FOUSTEk’s TltATEtSi

183

of sucli powerful and jealous allies, he resolved
to execute his plans with more address, though
without any essential deviation from the object
that biassed all his actions : and it is a well
known fact, that he did not, in consequence of
the treaty of Benares, dismiss one soldier from
his service. His proceedings were conducted
with caution, and he was successful in procuring
amongst the English themselves, zealous and
able advocates ; but the Vizier saw, that his am-
bition and schemes of aggrandisement would
ever be encountered by the jealou^ of the
English, whom he now beheld with mistrust and
resentment, and knowing the French were the
common enemy of our nation, the Vizier held
out many inducements to engage their as-
sistance.

In the year 1773} a Marhatta army, com-
manded by the chiefs, Scindia, Halcar, and
Hurry Punt, penetrating, into Hindostan, laid
waste the Duab, and possessed themselves of
the Etajoh districts, together with all the terri-
tory of Ahmed Khan Bungish, except the town
and environs of Furruckabad, An invasion so
formidable had alarmed the Rohilla chiefs, who,
on the approach of the Marhattas, golicited the
Vizier to procure the aid of aii English l>ri|ade ;
for which they offered the sum of fort^ lacks
of rupees. The Vizier^ anxious for the safety

1S4

»ORSTBIt’s TRAVELS.

of his own country, on the confines of which
the enemy were already encamped, accepted,
without hesitation, a proposal that would ena-
ble him to defray the expen ces of a body of
troops, from which he himself would derive an
essential benefit ; and he, some time in the year
1772, applied to the English government, fora
supply of forces to defend his dominions against
the threatened invasion of the Marhattas. Con-
formably to this requisition, an English Brigade
proceeded to Benares, whence a detachment of
three native battalions, joined by the forces of
the Vizier, marched to the frontiers of Rohil-
cund ; the interior parts of which the Marhattas
were then laying waste. The commencement
of the periodical rains, and the near approach
of the combined army, obliged them to rapidly
cross the Ganges. The Marhattas, in the follow-
ing year*, again entered Rohilcund where they
committed much devastation ; but they retreat-
ed on the appearance of the Vizier’s army,
which had: been reinforced by a complete En-
glish brigade. '

Of the night previous to the arrival of the
combined forces in the vicinity of the Marhatta
encampment, which was formed on the west
side of the Ganges, a large body of their ca-
valry crossed the river, and, dispersing the

FO ester’s travels.

185

Rohilla troops, they carried ofi' Alimed Khan,
one of the principal officers. The brigade
reached the place of this action about break of
day, v/hen they observed the llarhattas passing
the river*, then fordable, with precipitation;
and a distant cannonade ensued, in which the
enemy lost a few men and horses : but they soon
retired from that quarter, nor have they since
appeared in arms on the east side of the Ganges.

The Vizieiy on the retreat of the enemy,
demanded the sum of forty lacks of rupees from
Hafiz Rhamut Khan, who being at this time the
superior officer of the Rohilla forces, and the
conductor of their political measures, was urged
to fulfil the engagement. Hafiz represented,
that the Rohillas had not received the stipulated
aid, which, if furnished in the preceding year,
might have prevented the injuries done by the
enemy ; and that the present campaign had been
maintained by the Rohilla troops : yet he said,
that though the other chiefs should withhold
their quota of the claimed amount, he would
discharge his proportion to the extent of hi*
ability.

The ambitious disposition of the Vizier, and
the disregard he had hitherto shewn to the dic-
tates of justice, or honour, afford no lender

• At Ratmgaut,' a ford the Ganges in SoMkuad.— Vide Ren.

forsteb’s travels.

ms

authority for supposing that he secretly rejoicet
at the refusal of the Rohillas to execute the
whole tenour of their agreement In promoting
auci extending his schemes of conquest and
grandeur, the Vizier must have ever been ex-
posed to the counteracting power of the Ro-
hillas, who were all soldiers, and so far from
respecting his military capacity; they treated
it with contempt and derision. The conquest
of Rohilcund must have therefore naturally
composed an essential part of the Vizier’s gene-^
ral plan of aggrandizement.

After his return from the Marhatta expedi-
tion, he desired a conference with the governor
of Bengal, for the purpose of adjustipg certain
political measures, Mr. Hastings, associated
with some other members of the government,
was deputed to treat with the Vizier at Benares :
and the principal object of the meeting was as-
cribed to the motive of fixing the western pos-
sessions of the English, on a firmer' and more
permanent basis, by some final arrangement of
the territories that had been assigned to |h©
'king.

Since the period of the treaty of
Shah Alum had remained at Allahabad; where he
had enjoyed a splendid and a quiet retreat ; but
his wishes seeming to be centered in enjoying
the residence of his capital, he proceeded thithef

Forster’s tbatees.

187

in 1771 ; — sacrificing, at once, the substantial
benefits which had been conferred on him by
the bounty of the English. The King was also
excited to tins measure by bis servants, who
saw the influence of a foreign power depriving
them of the common advantages of their station,
and of that sway which his disposition naturally
invited. The repeated solicitation of the king
for troops, to establish his power at Delhi,
were not acceded to in a manner that promi-
sed any success: he procured two native bat-
talions that had been maintained by him at Al-
lahabad, but without the complement of Euro-
pean officers; and this party, with about 20,000
irregular troops, commanded by Najeb Khan,
arrived in the latter end of the year 1771, at
Delhi* ' '

The principal events of the life of Shujah-
ud-DowIah, being slenderly connected" with the
histoiy of Shah Alum, an occasional reference
to it is only necessary; and it may here be ob-
served, that the measures of an Indian court,
too frequently operating throughf the many
channels of deceit, or by the more ‘daring acts

■ * It is teid/ that the king’s Jpiimey 'wskastmed feytheinteili-*
"fence of 'ZaMtah ' Khan’s seizure of' Delhi,'' wMre ''"hc;, com-inltted'
many cfep,:

haram* ' *; ^ ^ ^

!88

tokster’s tbatbes.

of treachery, would offer little instruction to
the European reader, unless they lead to deci-
ded revolutions, or affect the general system of
government.

The Vizier did not depend upon the court of
Delhi, for the success of his schemes, or the
advancement of his power. He maintained
however an influence there, by the agency of
Ellich Khan, one of his favourite servants, who
gratifying the King by opportune donations,
procured the formal investiture of such territo-
ries, as the Vizier had either previously seized, or
meditated the conquest of. But we are not to
suppose that the possession of such instruments,
which had a constant circulation, and flowed
from too weak a source to act with eliicacy,
would essentially promote the designs of this
prince.

That some parts of the treaty now entered
into, between the English government and the
Vizier,, may be clearly understood, it is neces-
sary to notice, that in a short time after the de-
parture of Shah Alum fronl the territories which
had been assigned to him, the right was judged
to revert to the English government. On the
King’s junction with a body of Marhatta% then
stationed in the vicinity of Agra, he was com-
pelled to makte a formal cessiqn to them of the

FOSSTEIl’s TRAVEM.

189

province of Corah and the districts of Currah,
This surrender, to a power deemed hostile to
the welfare of Bengal, afforded a plea, equally
founded on the rights of conquest and good po-
licy, to assume the relinquished territory : and
the Vizier, who had with regret made the sa-
crifice, expressing, after the King’s departure,
an earnest desire of recovering the dismembered
country, his request, with certain qualifications,
was granted*.

The treaty of 1773, contains little important matter, nor
would I fatigue the reader with its perusal, did I not apprehend
that some serious reliections will occur, in comparing it with the
events of the succeeding year. It k specified, ** That whereas,
in the treaty concluded at Allahabad, on the l6th of August
'' 1765, between the Vizier and the Company, it is expressed tiiat
the districts of Corah and Allahabad were given to His Majesty
for his expences ; and whereas His Majesty abandoned the pos-
session of the aforesaid districts, and even has given asimnud for
Corah and Curmh to the Marhattas, to the great prejudice of
both the Vizier and English Company, and contrary to the
' meaning of the^ 'said treaty ;• he hath thereby forfeited , his Tight ■
to; the 'said districts, .which have Teverted to' the Company,
from whence he received them : it is dierefore agreed, that the
aforesaid districts shall be put into the possession of the Vizier,
on the following conditions, and|that, in thj? same manner as the
province, of: Oude, and the other dominions of the.Vizktare
possessed'by him': ,so 'Shal! he possess Corah, and, Chrtrah, and
Allahabad, for.ever.— H,e -shall' hy no means, or under toy' pro-
fence, be liable ■ to ^ any \ obstructions in the aforesaid"' cpuptrieS'
from' the Company^ and' the English chiefr>: and exclusifi' of the
money now , stipulated,, no mention.' or' request; my
t^':m'canS'be^_''Bmde;to,, h|m'.,:'fof' ‘.any,', things tfos account

This agreement shall: be observed by

foesthr’s TSAVELS.

iso

In the conference at Benares, it was also
stipulated, that the Vizier should coufirm Cheyt
Sinf’-, the son and successor of Bullwunt Sing,

“ men of the council, and the Company, nor shall it be broken or

deviated from.

** CONBITIOKS :

He shall paj to the Company fifty lacks of Sicca
Rupees, according to the currency of the province of

Glide, viz. - -- - - - 50,00,000

Iti ready money - - - - - SO, 00, 000

** In two years after the date hereof— vb. the first

it 15,00,000

** The second year - -- « - 15,00,000

S*. E*. 50,00,000

To prevent any dispute arising, concerning the payment
w^hich shall be made by the Vizier for the Company’s troops
that may march to his assistance, it is agreed, that the expences
of a brigade shall be computed at two lacks and ten thousand
(2,10,000) Sicca rupees per month, according to the currency
of the province of Oiide.^ — By a brigade, is meant as fallows'-^

« Two battalions of Europeans,

Six battalions of Sepoys,— **and
' One company of arfikry.

The expence of die said troops shall be defrayed by the Vizier,
from the time they shall have passed the border of the province ;
and exclusive of the above mentioned sum,, no more on any ac*
count shall be demanded from Mm. Should the Compimy and
the English chiefs have occasion to send for the troqps of the Vi-
zier, the Company, and the English chiefs, shall also pay their
** expence In the like manner. — ^Signed, sealed, and solemnlj
sworn t% by the contracting pities, Septemte &e Tth, 1773/^

i'OKSTEll’s TRATEES. ISl

in the possession of Benares, and its dependen-
cies, The Vizier acquiesced in this measure
with reluctance, and marks of extreme disgust :
not that he wished to deprive this chief of his
possessions, but he was averse to a foreign in-
terference in behalf of a person whom he con-
sidered his immediate vassal, and who, by ob-
taining so strong a support, would naturally
deviate from that state of subordination in
which such landholders are placed, under an
elFective Mahometan government. Shujali-ud-
Dowlah, though accomplished in his manners,
and endowed with an address that distinguished
him among the politest of his countrymen,
could not suppress the indignation he felt, at
the English Governor’s desire to have Cheyt
Sing seated in his presence. But the Vizier
was then preparing a suit * of such an impor-
tance to his schemes, that had his resentments
been keener, they would have been sacrificed
to its accomplishment.

That he might the more effectually prevent
English merchants or their agents from residing
or ncgociating in his country, the Vizier ob-
tained permission at this time to impose large
duties on the importation of Bengal, and Eu-
ropean merchandize. He had witnessed the

* A*upply of troops for the coBq,uest of Rohilcund.

193

yOKSTER** TKATEL*.

rapacious monopoly which the sen^ants of the
Company had exercised in Bengal, and knew
that many of the calamities which had befallen
that country, might be justly ascribed to the
European assumption of its commerce, which
had been conducted on terms so partial to
themselves, that almost every other trader was
obliged to purchase an European name to cover
his pioperty. It is said, that when Shujah-ud-
Dowl'ih has been solicited to receive an English
merchant into his country, he has offered him
an immediate sum of money, rather than risk
the admission of a system that appeared whoiiy
destructive of the true principles of trade.

On the conclusion of the Benares treaty, the
Vizier carried his arms against the Marhattah
garrisons in the Duab, which he severally ex-
pelled ; and extended his conquests as far to
the westward as the Fort of Jaunsy*. The
main body of the Marhattah army having
moved into the Decan, without leaving a suffi-
cient force to maintain their Duab possessions,
they fell to the Vizier without resistance. A
large division of the country which he acquired
in this campaign, had pertained to Ahmed
Khan Bunguish, the late chiqf of Furruckabad,
,who was succeeded by his adopted son, Mpz-

* Jaonsy stands on the western extremity of the Kalpy territory.
See Eeimeil't map.

foester’s travels.

193

suffer Jung; a youth, whom the Marhattas
sooa stripped of his most valuable districts.
The Vizier, to induce the neutrality of the
Patans of Furruckabad, during his Duab expe-
dition, promised, in the event of the Mar-
hatta "expulsion, to restore to MuzzulFer Jung,
all the territory that had been possessed by-
Ahmed Khan. That the conduct of an Indian
prince, in pursuit of a favourite object, or in
the gratification of his ambition, may be spe-
cifically viewed, I will insert the Vizier’s treaty
with Muzzuflfer Jung, in which is seen a solemn
protestation, made to God, the most endearing
terms of friendship and a-fFection pledged to
man, boldly used as the instruments of treachery
and dishonour. The ceremony of an oath is
esteemed amongst the present race of Mahome-
tans, a shallow trite artifice, and is only' adopted
by those, who, from a want of stronger resource,
are driven to the necessity of adopting se-
condary aids.

The treaty sets forth, “That, in consequence
“ of the friendship that has for a long time
“ subsisted between MuzzuflFer Jung, and my
“ ancestors, and me, I have adopted him for ray
“ child. By the grace of God,, I will do what-
^‘.eyer may be for his good or adyantage. ^
“ will consider hts bushress, friend^^ and
“ his^gnemies, as mine; ami until our last

■ , TOn,' I.vy , ' ■ O'V:

forstee’s tratees.

iM

“ breath, engage for ourselves, and for our
“ descendants and successors, that we will
“ remain united. — 1 swear, by the Almighty
“ God, by his Prophet, and the Holy Koran,
“ never to vary or depart from this treaty, upon
“ condition that my beloved son Muzzuffer
“ Jung do adhere to it also on his part. In
“ witness whereof, these lines are written in the'
“ style of a treaty. By the grace of God,
“ whenever the Marhattas are conquered, and
“ driven out of the country, and miire enemies
“ expelled, I will deliver up to my dearly be-
“ loved son, Muzzuffer Jung, the territories he
“ formerly possessed, and which he has lost in
“ the w^r, to the Blarhattas. Dated, according
“ to the Christian ®ra, January 177’4.”

S H u j A H- u d-D owl ah did ex pel the Mar-
hattas from the Bun gush territory ; b ut he d id
not fulfil the teuour of his treaty with Muzzuffer
Jung, to whom, on the success of the Marhatta
Campaign, he gave a small sum of mOney, but
rio part of the country which had been so so-
lerrinly promised.

Th‘e grktnl object of the Vizier’s ambition
ted ripened into maturity, and ,was tiow pub-
licly avowed ?--^he applied to the English Go-
werhiseftt for a bo<i^ of troops, to assist in tile
conquest of Bohileund, the ebielb of wh j Oh, he
;"'.|i|pf€‘s<aited, yhad:'” fefu'sed .'to; perforih' thei-'r-efi-

fobster’s tbjJtels. 195

^gements with him, and had ever been the in-
veterate enemies of his house. The Government
appear to have been deeply embarrassed by the
Vizier’s requisition : they saw the danger of
carrying their arms against a remote and war-
like people, and they felt a difficulty in
framing the cause of a war against a nation
from whom they had received no injury. After
an indecisive deliberation of some days, they
consented to commit the unreser.ved manage-
ment of the Oude negociation to the Governor.
■—He also expressed an aversion to extend the
military operations of the English to so distant
a quarter, and proposed, that a demand of such
magnitude should be made for the aid required,
that the Vizier would necessarily be induced to
withdraw the application. Conformably to this
counsel, an English brigade Avas tendered to the
Vizier, for the purpose of promoting the con-
quest of Rohilcund ; on the condition of four
lacks of rupees being paid to the Company on
the completion of the service, and the monthly
subsidy of two lacks and ten thousand rupees,
d uring the residence of the troops in Ms domi-
nions. The conduct of Government does not
authorize an inference that the Vizier would
ultimately refuse his assent to these terms ; for
an order was dispatched to the fa.ctorjr at Patna,
directing that the motions of a hiigade stationed

0 2

forstee’s travels.

i

196

in that quarter, should, without further com-
rnunication with the Presidency, be directed
by the future instructions of the Vizier, who
was at the same time advised of the measure
that had been adopted. ^ The Vizier, thus
powerfully aided in the prosecution of his fa-
vourite scheme, conducted his operations with
celerity. The Governor had not informed the
Council of the Vizier’s designs on Ilohilcund
until the latter end of November*, yet the bri-
gade marched in the following January, and in
the short space of about three monthsf, the
Rohillas were completely defeated in a pitched
battle that was fought in the centre of their
country! Near five thousand of them were
killed and wounded ; but the loss became irre-
trievable by the death of their chief, who was
slain in the action. Hafiz lUiainut, though. he
bled in an honourable case, merited a milder
fate. ■ He had ‘ uev'er been the enemy of the
English, and he had protected Shujah-ud-Dow-
Itih at the lowest ebb J of his fortunes,

Aftek the engagement, Fyze-ullah Klian
retreated with a large paityof the routed army

„ f Tlie ^battie ,was fought bn the'' ,23d: of April,' 1774,' iwar the
' village of TessunalL— -For the " situaiio'u,, .Tide „ReimelPs map. '

' y/; '$’'bkijah-iiil4>owhih,'with^Mi5faaii'l)^^ refuge in.'Eo’iulcipid
>^^Afebthebatt^cof Biim% ' ' ' ' ' ^ ,

rORSTBR’s TRAVELS.

197

to Lall Dong*, where he took post on the side
of a steep hill. The Vizier, accompanied by
the English brigade, invested the iutreuchments
of the Jlohillas, who being reduced to various
distress, from a confined unhealthy situation,
and serving under a leader of no military talents,
they proposed earnest terms of accommodation
to the English commanding oiScer; who urged,
and prevailed on the Vizier, after a long strug-
gle, to liberate Fyze-ullab, and cede to him a
certain territory in Rohilcund. This chief,
before the war, held the Jaguir of Rampour,
rated at five lacks of rupees ,* but this con-
vention f invested him with a revenue of fifteen
lacks, and the most fertile quarter of Rohilcund.

^ The northern boundary of Rohilcund.

f Whereas friendship is established between and Fyze-
iillah Khan.-— I give unto him Rampour, and some other, districts
dependent thereon, altogether amounting to 14 lacks and 75,600
rupees yearly ; and I direct that the said Fysie-uliah Khan do on
no account take into his pay above 5000 soldiers. I engage, at
all times and on all occasions, to preserve the honour of the said
Fyzerullah Khan, and to act for his good and advantage, on the
condition, that he shall look to no other power but mine for
support ; that he engages to correspond with no other state than
the: English. ' Our enemies and friends are mutual. Fyae-ulialr
Khan shall assist me with or- 3'000 troops according ‘to hiS' .
'ability. . If I go in person ;on any expedition,: or to any part
my^ dominions, Fyze-ullah Khan shall attend me’; ‘'and ,as , the ,
number of 5000 troops >hich.Fyze*'Ullah Khan '.Is allowed; 'at all
tiiiies to- keep up,. is';smalh , and he 'may 'be: unable, to bring' them
** all 'into the field with 'him, ''m’ such case,' I ’will:p!acc from''2 to' ^

rOESTER’s TRAVELS.

lyS

Fyz£-u llah-Khan, having concluded the
negotiation, m hich was wholly effected by the
English officer, with whom a counterpart of the
treaty was executed, that the sanction of the
Company might be obtained, he paid, accord-
ing to a previous stipulation, a gratuity of
fifteen lacks of rupees to the Vizier. The
change of the system of the Bengal govern-
ment which began to operate at this time, and
was hostile to the councils of Shujah-ud-DowIab,
might also have impelled him to a speedy con-
clusion of the RohiUa treaty.

Isr the year 1783, Fyze-ullah was liberated
from all military vassalage to the Vizier, on the
payment of a sum of money to the Englisli
resident at Lucknow, which was applied to the
service of the Bengal Government.

** 4000 nien under Iiis ccimnandj that he may join me with foe*
** coming dignity : the pay of thevc additional troops to be found
by me* It is upon the above mentioned considerations tiaat J
coment to settle upon Fyze-ullah Kiun the said country, and
engage to support his interests. If he continue imn in the per-
fonnance of this, treaty, by the grace of God, I never will be
back\vard in consulting his advantage and good.— He is lo cause
all the Rohillas to cross the river (jangcb. Sworn by the Holy
Koran, caiiing God aiul his Prophets to witness to the perform-
ance of these articles.”

Ms:tracteifram tk Baikal CoL ^ 1 1 8B Wegimk

Smrds of 1 774. ,kuL Otiok r, 1 774 J* IX

fqrstee’s teavels.

199

But had Shujah-ud-Dowlah been permitted
to pursue the system of policy which had been
observed to the other Rohilla chiefs, Fyze-ullah
would at this day have languished in pov’erty
and dependence. Happily for this chief and
the residue of his nation, who have now fertilized
and made populous a large tract of country, a
powerful advocate came forth in their behalf,
who, though the leader of a subsidiary body,
assumed, in an honourable cause, the efficient
power of protection. The Vizier, in an acrimo-
nious cornplaint preferred against this officer,
observes, “that as it had been his absolute
determination to extirpate the Rohillas, and
for that purpose requested the assistance of
“ the English troops, was it not higly improper
“ in the commanding officer, to enter into
“ such a correspondence vdthout his pcrmis-
“ sion ? ” The Vizier had in truth resolved to
destroy the Rohillas, or expel them; and this
resolution shaped the whole form of his conduct
during the campaign in Rohilcund. He enter-
tained rooted a dread of this people from
their valour and haughty spirit, or perhaps a
consciousness of the injuries he had already
committe;d, that he would not permit those
that were subjected to remain in any part of his
dominions.

Af the close of this general descriptio];i of

200

FOnSTEIl’s r RAVELS.

the progress of the English arms in Rohilcuncl,
[for the aids afforcled-by the Vizier can scarcely
claim a notice,] I will insert some observations
on the tendency and effects of our engagements
with the Vizier in the reduction of that terri-
tory. It is manifestly seen, that the Govern-
ment of Bengal v ere either unacejuainted with
the viitue and extent of their compact with the
Vizier, or that they avowedly assisted him in
stripping one of their allies of his hereditary
possession. It was roundly agreed to invest the
Vizier with the dominion of Rohilcund, the
limits of wliich were carried to the mountains
on the north, and to the river Ganges on the
west. Yet a large tract of the northern divi-
sion of Rohilcund, was held by Zahitah Khan*,
with whom the English were at this time in al-
liance, and bound by a treaty’ “ to confirm to
“ him bis ancient dominions, to consider him
“ as a dependent on their fa\our, and that their
“ friends and enemies should he mutual.”

The Vizier, previously to the invasion of
Rohilcund, had brought over to his-interests
Zabitah Khan ; wl^o, though of the Rohiliascct,
and of near affinity to many of the chiefs, united
with the Vizier against the cause of his natiot^.
But be was severely punished for his treachery,
and the dishonour ble connexion he bad form-

* The soil af Najeb-ud'-BowIali.

201

POESTEa’s TRAVELS*

«1 ; for the Vizier, after the completion of the
conquest, asserting that Zabitah Khan had du-
ring the war maintained a correspondence with
the enemy, seized on all his territory east of the
Ganges ; and it remains at this day annexed to
the Government of Oude.

The conduct of the Vizier also to the family
of Mohubullah Khan*, evinces that every senti-
ment of honour and faith fell before the im-
pulse of his ambition. This chief, who held the
town and districts of Bissouly, either from
having been involved in a domestic contest with
those Rohilla states who appeared in arms
against the Vizier, or from other motives, did
not engage in the war. Before the army moved
into Rohilcund, he sued tlie Vizier for protec-
tion in behalf of his family and property, which
the prince, in strong and unequivocal terms,
pledged to preserve in safety and honour. On
this faith, Mohubullah Khan remained during
the campaign at Bissouly ; but on the Vizier’s
arrival at that place, he was, with his family,
thrown into a rigorous confinement, pillaged
of every article of value,- and his women were
treated with; a disgraceful severity. In an ad-
dress of Mohubullah to the English command-

' •* The son of Dhoomly Khan, -who has been already noticed in

file 'Roiiiila sketcte. • - ' , :

fORSTES’s TSAVBtS.

m

ing officer, in which were also inclosed the ori-
ginal letters of the Vizier, granting an unre-
served protection, he writes, “ The Vizier has
deprived us of our country, of our riches, and
“ even of our honour ; and, not contented with
“ that, he is going to send us prisoners to Fizeabad.
“ We desire no country, no riches, no house;
but at Bissouly are the tombs of our family—
near them, and under some shade, we beg per-
mission to pass, as mendicants, the remainder
“ of our days. Relying on the Vizier’s pro-
“ mises, we remained in this country ; other-
wise, we should, like the other chiefs, have
fled, and preserved our character and honour ;
these, with our effects, he has taken away ;
and how he has dishonoured us, is known to
all.’’ The Vizier is said to have exercised
an indecent rigour towards the female prisoners
of the Rohiilas who fell into his hands ; and he
is accused, also of having violated the chastity
of some women of the family of Hafiz Rhamut*.
The last allegation is not supported by any sub-
staatiai authority; nor indeed, are such acts of
outrage common amongst the most intemperate

Shujah-ufl-Dowlah , was . impressed .with so lively a:sen$e of in-

.dilation, at disgrace, as well as tlie injustice of this charge, :that

;.lie'.burst into tears, w' hen lie was! informed'’ tlitat it had,

JleTCd'foy the English CO, iBraanding, officer.'

forstjer’s travels.

203

Mahometans ; who, however prone to other ex-
cesses, are not often seen tearing asunder the
veil of the haram-

The oppressions and rapacity of the Vizier
in the course of the conquest, affixed a deep
stain on the English character. The vanquish-
ed naturally supposed, that the hand which had
led him to victory, could have been efhcientiy
exerted in restraining his violence. The cause
specifically held out by the Vizier for making
war on the Rohillas, was their withholding pay-
ment of the sum which they had offered for the
service of an English brigade. It has been
shewn that the brigade did not arrive in Rohil-
cund at a due season : for the Marhattas had,
in two successive years, committed wide devas-
tations in that country, and were leaving it when
the English troops appeared. The arguments
used by the Vizier, in support of the invasion,
were weakly maintained, on either a principle of
equity or reason: and his purposes might have
been effected without the exhibition of so
wretched a cloak. In countries where the paths
of rectitude and honour are more precisely de-
scribed and adhered to that! in Hindostan, the
political usage of princes does not widely deviate
from the conduct pursued by Shujah-ud-Dow-
lah in insuring success to his schemes of am-
bition. But what can be urge4 in vindication

yORSTEIl’s THAVEIjS.

SOI

ef the English, who, to gratify a rapacious ally^
and rfithout even acquiring an adequate benefit
to the state, effected the destruction of a na-
tion, against whom they could not fabricate a
specious cause of complaint?

The subject of the Rohilla war hath already
been so widely dilated by those who promoted,
and those who have condemned, the measure,
that I am fearful of giving disgust by any
further enlargement ; nor does the discussion
properly belong to the purpose of this essay :
yet I cannot refrain from pointing at the ill
policy of the English, in annexing llohilciuid
to' the dominion of the Vizier. The injustice
of the act, with the severe effects that fol-
lowed, are now admitted by roost classes of
men ; and has imprinted a deep stain on the
British name in India. The Government of
Bengal, in assigning a reason for investing
the Vizier with tlie possession of Rohilcund, as-
serted, that the more powerful this prince be-
came, the greater advantage would accrue t#
them from his alliance. The disposition of
Shujah-u<l-I)owlah must have been ill known to
the English, or they would not have urg-ed so
frail an argument. Jealous of authority, and
insatiably ambitious, he bad already felt a keeir

resentment at the encroachments of Bengal on

natietia.1 .power, the pre-

roaSl'Bft’s TBAVELS.

205

servatioa of which had long directed the spirit
of his councils, and the actions of his govern-
ment. The Rohilla nation formed a weighty
counterpoise to the real strength and restless
temper of the Vizier, who, finding himself
checked by a people naturally interested in keep-
insr a vigilant watch over his actions, lest thev
should suffer by too great an increase of his
power, must have been necessitated to depend
on the English, to repel the encroachment or
attacks of the Rohillas, and the other northern
states. Our possessions in India, virtually ac-
quired by the superiority of arms, and the emi-
nent abilitiesof British officers, can only be pre-
served, after maintaining that superiority, by a
steady adherence to the principles of justice and
public faith, — virtues which did not conspicu- ,
ously distinguish the last negpciation with the
Vizier : nor were the dictates of common policy
consulted, unless the axiom becomes manifest,
which even the most visionary politician would
startle at, that nations may be linked together
by the bonds of gratitude and friendship.

SHUJAH'yn-Dowi.AH was yet employed iii
arranging the affairs of the conquered province,
when a disorder which had for some time afflicted
him, broke out with such violence, that he was
obliged to retire to Fyzeabad, where he died in
the month of J afluary 1775, at the age of 46

206

rOKSTEIl’s THAVELS.

years. His death was occasioned by a venereal
tumour, that bad been unskilfully treated by a
French surgeon, who administered to him so large
a quantity of -mercury, that his strength, then
nearly exhausted, was overpowered by the force
of the medicine. The violence of the com-
plaint had been removed by a professional gen-
tleman of the brigade, who served in the Ro-
billa expedition ; but being called into the pro-
vinces, the cure svas not completed. The dis-
putes of the Vizier and the English commanding
officer, had arisen to such a pitch of inveteracy,
that, though the life of the Vizier was the pledge,
and ultimately the sacrifice,' he would not solicit
the attendance of the field-surgeon.

SHujAH-tJD-DowLAH died at a peHod when
his thii-st of dominion bad been largely indulged,
and bis power bad arisen perhaps to its meridian
height. The new members of the Bengal Go-
, vernment who arrived in the preceding year
were inimical to his public interests, and seemed
even to bear an enmity to bis person. The pro-
jeets with /which his mind teemed, would soon
have matured, and produced the csrisis of his
fortune; when he would either have arisen into
powerful independence, or stmk into a station
less respectable than that now occupied by bis
•successor. His views were disclosed with so

fORSTEa’s TEAVELS.

SO?

little reserve, and he personally gave such une-
quivocal testimony of his future designs, that
his political character was arraigned by all men
of discernment. He frequently told his cour-
tiers, that after the conquest of Rohilcund, he
would penetrate into the territory of the Mar-
hattas, and take an exemplary vengeance for the
ravages they had committed in Hindostan. He
evinced also an anxious desire to attain the
direction of affairs at Delhi, and controul the
remains of military power yet preserved to the
house of Timur. But in this prospect he was
thwarted by Nndjef Khan, who had the office
of captain-general, and who had acquired, by
his successes in the field, an extensive tract of
country wholly independent of the imperial
authority.

The English had been taught to believe, that
Shiijah-ud-DoWlAh, from a principle of self-
intere'st, was attached to their nation ; that,
aware of the insufficiency of his own ability*
either to increase his dominion, or resist the at-
tacks of an enemy, he would ultimately depend
Oh them for protection. However just their
opinions might Imve been of the real strength
and resource this prince, it would appear that
he hira^lf held them, (especially when aug-
mented by the conquest 'of. Rohilcund, and
other expected aitffe,) adequate to the accom-

SOS

roRSTEIl’s TRAVELS.

plishiiient of purposes, wbich bore no rehiHori
to an English policy. His pride and ambition,
■\rhich vrere excessive, had been mortified by
many acts of the Bengal Government ; and the
restrictions imposed by the Allahabad deputa-
tion, he deemed violently oppressive, and an
infringement of the treaty that had been made
by Lord Clive. But, concealing his resentment
with an admirable address, he diligently search-
ed for expedients to dissolve a connection which
placed him in so subordinate a condition. Shu-
jah-ud-Dowiah had felt, and resolved to adopt,
the European discipline. Exclusiveof the French
who were employed in forming his troops, he had
solicited a supply of English officers to accom-
plish h!s purpose. But subsequeiatly to the applica-
tion, the Government of Calcutta had been new-
modelled, and seeing it hostile to his interests,
he refused the service of any person wlio held a
commission in the English army. I have ob-
tained an infornnation, supported by documents
of substantial authority, but which I am not
empowered to bring forward, that Sh'ujah-ud-
powlal), in the last moments of his life, was ac-
_ tively employed jp forming scheines of inde-
pendence, and even pursnlng measures, to extir-
pate the Errglish power bt Ind i4 ; 'Lhe, French
.officers in the service of this prijnee, improving
0»..hi3:':dl;;;huppt|r^,,|o,.,;the; Engi(s|i;Governmejst»„

rOKSTEK’s TBAVELS,

209

represented to him that an alliance with France
might be made the effectual instrument of eman-
cipating his country from controul, and enable
him to prosecute with success his schemes of
conquest. The Vizier eagerly hearkened to this
language, and agreed to open the negociation ;
but the keenness with which he commenced it,
prevented his seeing the difficulties which would
have obstructed its purpose. It was stipulated
by the agents at Oude, that a body of French
troops should land on the coast of Cambay, and
marching across the upper part of the peninsula,
enter the western frontier of Oude. Had the
Vizier made the experiment, he would have wit-
nessed the impracticability of the project, and the
visionary schemes of these French adventurers.
But a ministry of France, it is to be presumed,
would have altogether rejected the measure, and
have foreseen that lihe attempt of conveying an
European force over ;«p largfe a tr^ct of country,
inhabited by powerful military tribes, who en-
tertain a common jealousy of Europeans, must
have been frustrated by the surrounding impe-
diments. The fact which is now related, stands
accompanied with such a variety of corrobo-
rating proofs, that I am induced firmly to be-
lieve its authentjoity. Shpjahji^-Hqwfehp^w^
felt the force of the English pqwer[;b|;j|h i in its
open and concealed consist-

■ vox. I. " ' ""

210

fohster’s traveef.

ently with the station he occupied, in. endea-
vouring to remove a pressure so galling and dis-
graceful ; and had he lived until a later period,
when the English nation in India was encoun-
tered by a host of assailants, and sinking under
an accumulated load of intestine calamities, we
might have been severely punished for having
too powerfully armed the hands of this prince.
His memory, I trust, will not be injured, if I
place Shujah-ud-Dowlah, at the crisis adverted
to, amongst the foremost of the enemies of the
English ; when, to the extent of his abilities,
he would probably have been seen making strong
exertions to, wipe off his former disgrace, and
.gratify a private resentment.

Ha viaio marked the more conspicuous outline-
of the transactions of Shujah-ud-Dowlah, I -^vi 11
close it with some desultory observations on his
character. In treating of the personal qualities
of this Erince, it must "be noticed, that they
pertairi to a native of Hindostsn, wh|3se mind,
fettered by religibus prejttdieea and the effects
of a narrowed education, is rarely incited to the
search of* khowiedge. - The same actions which
are eountenancedi and ev«i applauded by a
Mahometan,' 'Avcmld''rin-'the 'European' world' . 'be
'often'' '■'vife'«'^'', with disgust, 'Ur ' felfUader-a "sevt'ere.
^'Ie^}n■eheh'S^oB■■*^(lf,■.':t■h0' .prelhrto--, ,

tiar^’sanction, it may '^th 'Justice be -said

FOBSTEtt’S TRAVELS. 21 1

the Prince who has been the subject of this
treatise, possessed a penetrating understanding
and an active mind. His disposition, when no
grand object interposed, had a general tendency
to promote the welfare of his subjects: and he
was always averse to acts of barren cruelty.

In the year 1765, Shujah-ud-Dowlah’s reve-
nue did not amount to more than one hundred
and twenty thousand pounds, and his“ army had
been so much reduced by the effects of the de-
feat at Buxar, that it was incapable of defend-
ing his territory ; yet at the expiration of ten
years, the period of his death, he held a domi-
nion which produced a revenue of three hun-
dred and sixty thousand pounds ; and he main*
tained in his service, one hundred thousand
fighting men. When it is admitted, that in the
acquisition of dominion, in maintaining an im-
portant station amongst the states of India, and ■
in the salutary government of his country, this*
Prince displayed an enlarged genius, it must
also be allowed, that he derived a real strength,
and a large portion of political consequence,
ifom the intimate connection he had formed
with the government of Bengal; over which, he
seemed, at one period, to haye exercised a pre-
vailing influence. Had Shujah-nd-DowIah dis-
solved his Eibglish aljliance, the security of his
country, and the execiiftiOft qf Ms schemes,

212

fOHSTER’s TEATELS,

would have chiefly depended on the force of hia
array, aud the ability of his officers; for he him-
self was not endowed with the genius of a sol-
dier. He wanted that valour, orcourpge, which
is ever shewn, in the event of common danger,
and at every season which requires its exertion :
but when personal strength, or skill, was to de-
cide the combat, Shujah-ud-Dowlah had few
equals. He rode, without fear, the most unruly
horses ; he would attack with the sword, match-
lock, or the bow, in the use of which weapons
he was wonderfully expert, the most furious ani-
mal of the field. — This species of courage be
seems to have acquired from his skill in the use
of arms, and in the strength and activity of his
body. In situations of indiscriminate danger;
as in the day of battle, he is said to have been
deficient in the ordinary exertions of fortitude.
Though Shqjah-ud-Dowlab was the ostensible
conductorof the Rohilia war, he evinced through-
out the campaign a marked pusillanimity; and in
the engagement with Hafiz Rhamut, who like a
brave soldier had occupied the foremost rank of
the battle, Shujab*ud-Dowlah, sheltering him-
self in the rear, is accused of betraying evident
signs of fear, which were not wholly effaced, until
he saw the severed head of the Rohilia chief.

Tike the men of rank in Asia, he was cowte-
,ow afid affable, had an insinaating addresa, and

Forster’s travels.

213

accomplisbed manners. These qualifications,
united with a large well-formed persoHj and a
handsome countenance, gave him powerful ad-
vantages, as well in his intercourse with foreign
agents, as in the administration of his own go-
vernment. With a soothing flow of language he
could calm the most outrageous claimants, who,
though aware of the futility of the language,
seldom left his presence but under the impression
of a momentaiy pleasure. He had acquired an
extensive knowledge in the practice of every
species of deceit, and he could perform with
facility every character that was necessary to
conduct the various purposes of delusion or
treachery. Though capable of executing the
subtlest scheme of intrigue, he was subject to
occasional emotions of anger, which have
frequently clouded his countenance at seasons
when they were hostile to his views-. In his
family, he performed the duties of a mild, indul-
gent parent, and a kind master. When an ob-
ject of policy called for pecuniary distribution,
he could lavish with a liberal hand ; but gene-
rosity did not form a fixed part of his disposi-
tion : He was equally rapacious in acquiring, as
sordid in preserving wealth. 3hujah-ud-l)ow-
lah’s excesses in venery, which knew ho coa.
troul, led him to commit action's derogatory
from his station, as well as pernicious to his

m

rOKSTER’s TRAVEtS,

health; and even when his disorder had pro-
duced an irrecoverable stage of disease, he con-
tinued to indulge in a promiscuous use of
wo^nen. His baram was filled with wives and
concubines, to the number, it is said, of eight
hundred, from whom were born to him fifty-
children. — Mirzah Arnany, afterwards intitled
Asofi-ud-Dowlah, was the eldest legitimate son,
and succeeded to the entire dominion of Oude
without tumult or opposition.

Forster’s travels.

21S

CONTINUATION OF THE LETTERS.

LETTER IX.

BeUaspour, 22c? February, 1783,

Dear Sib,

, Before i leave our Indian
world, let me, through you, make an acknow-
ledgement for the many cordial marks of friend-
ship, and the kind assistance, I have received,
throughout every station in the provinces.
The gentlemen of Bengal have been long noted
for their hospitable conduct to strangers ; and in
mine own instance, I can testify that they
amply merit the commendation. The reward
due to a disposition so happily framed, they en-
joy to a large extent ; they experience those
heart-felt pleasures which arise from the e:xercise
of humane and liberal offices, and which ever
convey an abundant recorapence for the incpn-
veniences sustained in their gratification.^Ha-
ving discharged, to the best of my ability, this

^16

rOBSTEa’s TRAVELS,

indispensable duty, I proceed to give you an
account of my journey hither.

On the 8th of February, I left Rairipour, and
arrived at Moradabad — ten cosses. This town,
standing on the banks of the river Ramgunga,
is situated in the Vizier’s country, which is se-
parated from the districts of Fyze-iillah, a few
miles to the north-west of it, by the river Rara-
guuga. Moradabad was once a place of dis-
tinction; hut like many other places which
once came under that description in Hindos-
tan, is at this day greatly decayed. Having
frequently seen rupees of the coinage of Mora-
dabad, and those of a very general currency, I
apprehend that an extensive mint has been esta-
blished at this place. A hot bath is now amongst
the few remains df its grandeur, in which, with
great ceremony, I performed the Mahometan ab-
lutions; being received amongst my new bre-
thren, as a Moghul officer, employed in the
■Vizier’s service. ' ^ '■

EARny on the next morning, I left Mora-
dabad, and arrived, under an intensely hot sun,
at the village of Aumruali--r-twelve cosses. On
the day of my departure from Ratnpour, I had
a complete view of the lofty range- of ndrfchern
mountains, whose sumniita are ootered with per*
petuai snows : they i extend neafly in a parallel
east to west, and. form, J should imagine.

rORSTEU’s TRAX'ELS. 217.

the northern barrier between Hindostan and
Thibet. To know the opinion of the people
concerning this extraordinary appearance, I en-
quired of a fellow traveller, the cause of so con-
spicuous a whiteness. He said, that it proceeded
from a particular sort of clay, with which the
hills in that quarter were covered. I soon
perceived that the task of explaining the real
cause would have been equally arduous with an
attempt of making him acquainted with the pro-
perties of the magnetic needle ; so, expressing
ray surprise at the singular quality of the earth,
I left him, flattered, no doubt, with the impor-
tance of his communication. The most striking
object to be seen at Aumruah, is the body of a
notorious robber, which, suspended by the heels
from a tree, affords an useful spectacle of terror.
Travelling is by no means attended with danger
in thisparf of India, aS may be proved by ihy
example: for in no part of the roads from Be-
nares to this place, though chiefly alone, did I
meet with impediment or ill usage ; and I should
hold myself guilty of an injustice, did I not un-
reservedly declare^ that the inhabitants treated
me with civility, and, usually, with kindness:

On the 11th, at Chandpour -*- 12 cosses.
Finding the want of a servant subjected me to
various iiiconveniences, especially from the dis-
like of the Serauce-keepers to rub down my

218

3?0R.STEIl’S TRAVEM.

horse, which is, I believe, the only scruple they
entertain, I took into my service an old soldier,
who by his own story had been engaged in
many a fell encounter : nor did his figure belie
it, for, amongst the numerous, desperate marks of
his profession, he bore one on his face which had
wholly excavated the right eye.

On the 11 th, at the village of Burroo — twelve
cosses. This place affords no public accommo-
dation for passengers: but the pompous lan-
guage of the old warrior, who intitled me a
Moghul officer of the Vizier’s, going to join the
army then forming against the Sicques, pro-
cured a liospitable reception ; nor did he fail to
reap the advantage of bur borrowed character.

On the lathi at Najebabad; — ^elevein cosses.
Najeb-ud-Oowlah who buil^t this town, saw
that its situation would facilitate the commerce
of Kashmire, which having been diverted from
its former channel of Lahore and Delhi, by the
inroads of the Sicquesi Marhattas, ajid Afghans,
took a course through the mountains at the head
of the Punjab, and was introduced into the E,o-
hilla country through the Lall Dong pass. This
inducement, with the desire of establishing a
mart for the Hindoos of the adjacent mountains,
probably influenced the choice of this spot ;
whidh otherwise is not favourable for the site of

' ■ ^ who has b«tt already mientifmed' in the-Kohilla ■

FOKSTEft’s TKATELS.

2iy

a capital town, being low, and surrounded with
swampy grounds. About a year after the death
of this chief, the fort of Majeb Ghur, which is
contiguous to the town, was attacked by the
Marhattas, who had compelled Shah Alum, the
reigning .' emperor, to accompany their army.
The garrison made a good defence, and would
not, it is .said, have surrendered, had Zabitah
Khan, the son of Najeb-ud-Dowlah, then lying
in the nighbourhood with a respectable force,
moved to its assistance. But without offering
to face the enemy, or throw any relief into the
fort, he crossed the Ganges, and sought shelter
in Ghous Ghur. Since that period, or rather
since the death of its founder, Najebabad' has
fallen from its former importance, and seems
now chiefly upheld by the languishing trade of
Kashmire.

A SMAI.L karavanserah, the only one in the
place, being occupied, I thought myself fortu-
nate in getting aclraittance into a cook’s shop,
where kabaubs * and stewed beef were dressed
in savoury taste, and all the news-mongers,
idlers, {joliticiaHS, and disbanded soldiers, of
the quarter, resort. — Whilst I was eating my
mess, a- boy came in and asked, if any tra-

j^feat minced and dressed in llie maiinei.* of wtat^culiaary
guage io;^'general ’'senses h a»j'

masted 'fiiocL ^ \ ^ \ ^ , ’■

foksteh’s travels.

2S0

vellers were going to Jumbo, or Kashmire, as
the kafilali * would depart on the next day.
On enquiring particularly into the state of this
intelligence, I learned, that about one hundred
mules, laden with raw silk, and cotton cloths,
and ordinary callieoes, for the Jumbo f mar-
ket, had already moved to the skirts of the
town. Having been furnished with a letter to
a banker at Najeb Ghur, who has the general
charge of dispatching kafilahs, I was introduced
by him to the merchants, who received me
without hesitation. When interrogated on the
score of my business, I described myself as a
Turk, going to Kashmire to purchase shawls.
The Turkish language being in these parts
wholly unknown, and as traders of various
nations often carry into Kashmire bills, dr
specie only, my story obtained a general cre-
dit. After a mature consideration of the per-
sonal qualities of my servant, which, poor fel-
low, had been much impaired by time and
adverse fortune, they were condemned as ai-
together unfit for the service that lay before
vs ; and one of the passengers illnaturcdly ob-
served, that a man sliould have all his eyes about
him who att e mp ted to penetra te into Kashmire.
To fill u^ this vacancy (for, dreading the difficulties

FORSTER’S TRAVELS.

m

of the journey, he himself expressed a reluctance
to proceed,) 1 had the good fortune to obtain a
Kashmirian, who was at all points qualified for
ray purpose. He had travelled through a great
part of India and Afghanistan, and 1 soon dis-
covered, that, together with an infinite resource
in every embarrassment, he possessed a fund of
curious history, which he did not fail to embel-
lish with a large share of humour and vanity.
But I will sum up his eulogy, and at once tell
you that he was, take him for all in all, one of
the best servants I had ever known; and could
I have acquired the art of qualifying a rather
too redundant share of acidity and warmth of
disposition, he would have proved a treasure to
me. Being well versed in all the scheme of an
Indian journey, he made the necessary prepa-
rations, and took on him every trouble ; so I
could now freely indulge my pleasures, which
centered chiefly in hearing and telling storia^
and smoaking my pipe.

Ox the 14th, at Ramnaghur— nine cosses.
This village is in ruins, but having a large well
of water, it is usually made the first northern
halting place from Vajzibabad. ^

Ox the 15th, at Lall Dong----eight eosses.^^
The station where Fyze-ullah, has been nh-
tieed, took post after the Rohilla battie.’r* Ball

FOaST£E’‘s TEAVELS.

fSf

Bon^ is the northern limit of this side of the
Vizier’s territory, which is separated from Siring-
naghur by a rivulet. A detention at this place
for the adjustment of some kafilah accounts,
g-ives me an opportunity of drawing a sketch of
the surrounding objects, and the ceconomy of a
karavau.

The country from Najeb Ghur to this fron-
tier is chiefly a waste, over-run with low wood„
and is ill supplied with water, there being none
in the space from Ramnaghur to the neighbour-
hood of Lall Dong. The inhabitants say, that
in the time of Najeb-ud-DowIah, the land now
overgrown with wood, u-as a cultivated plain ;
hut such is the precarious state of the native
territories of Hindostan, from the inert dispo^
sition which, with little deviation, pervades the
body of the people, that its welfare must largely
depend on the ability and executive talents of
one roan j and, a succession of able rulers being
a rare event in the history of nations, we are
not to wonder at the ruinous state into which
many of the roost valuable provinces of Hin-
dostan have fallen. But on the other hand, the
efforts of an active prince, are ever followed by
rapid success. Habitations are, at a moderate
expence, speedily emsted, and the impleroehts
' of agriculture are ':Of 'w:, ■ironple':and easy aeon-

j'orster’s travels.

'223

struction, that most husbandmen, \sdth a very
small help of an artificer, can make their own
machines.

The greatest extent of plain, and that was
limited, lyiiig on the north side of the rivulet,
the kafilah encamped on the Siringnaghur
quarter, Avhere we were all seen busily engaged
in preparing for the ensuing journey of three
days, which lay through a forest. The weather
during the day, growing now extremely hot, it
was necessary to provide some covering in
substitute of a tent. I therefore made a pur-
chase of a large black kuramul, or blanket,
which being slantingly extended over a slight
bamboo frame, composed of a ridge pole upheld
by two supporters, and fastened below by small
pins, formed a cominpdious and portable
lodging. My. baggage, corresponding with the
strength of my horse, was composed of a Thia
mattress, a quilt, a canvass portmanteau, con-
taining afew shifts of linen, which supplied also
the place of a pillow, and the aforementioned
kummul. These necessaries, with an oil bag
osifried by the Kashmirian, afforded a sufificient
accommodation ; nor should any person tra-
velling in my manner, have more equip]ge.-T*r-
A'darger will; raise ■ unfavourable* '.cqBj'eetureSj,
and subject him to frequent in vesti|^ti0B, delay,
'and taxes. . „ ■/ "

FORSTEIl’s TRAVEI.5.

SM

-On the 22d, the kafilah moved, and pene-
trating six cosses, through the mountains, by a
north-west course, halted for the benefit of its
water, near a small stream. — In this day’s
journey, I had many occasions of seeing that
our mules * were strong and sure-footed. It
was wonderful to observe the ease and dexterity
with which these animals, heavily laden, clam-
bered up steep and rugged paths. The pro-
prietors of the goods, chiefly residents of Benares,
Lucknow, and Furruckabad, had appointed
agents to accompany the kafilah, who are not
the ultimate venders of the merchandize, but
contract to deliver it, and pay the different
duties at some destined mart. To shelter the
packages from the inclemency of the weather, a
small complement of tents is provided, as it
rarely happens that a kafilah halts at any in-
habited place. A plentiful supply of water, and
a plain for the accommodation of the cattle, is
all that is sought for. The carriers say also,
that a plain more effectually secures them
against theft.

Ox the proceeded Q cosses further into
the forest, and halti’d near a large water-course.
This day an occurrence happeucci which in-
volved me in a sefiays difficulty. The intense

* They are brought into the nortiiera iiarts" of'lhidfekj'frffirti

joester’s travels.

295

heat of the weather, and the fatigue of walking
over a tract of deep sand, induced me, after
passing it, to indulge in my pipe. During this
regale, which I enjoyed under the shade of a
tree, the kafilah had gone out of sight. The
ground in. front being thickly covered with
leaves, no appearance of a road was discernible ;
and my horse, when I mounted, was so much
alarmed, that he would not, but with great re-
luctance, move in any direction. Whether tlie
animal, from any instinctive power, perceived
the embarrassment of pur situation, or that its
organs of smell were sensible of the effluvia
wliich is emitted from the body of most wild
beasts, I will not presume to determine : though
I was induced to ascribe its agitation to the
first cause, having once been placed in a similar
situation, with the difference, that no animals of
prey, or of the large size, were in the neigh-
bourhood. After traversing the forest in va-
rious directions without perceiving the appear-
ance of tract or habitation, or the vestige of
?^ny creature, except great quantities of elephants’
dui^, I, at length, fell into a narrow pat^
which leading through a long space of woo«l|^
desert, brought me to a village ; whence the .
people with much kindness eoiidiipted,,.n|# to
opr halting-place.

On the g4tb, at Jumab,4^
vot. r. «

mnhTZ&'s rttAVKiA.

gS6

houses— four cosses. This hamlet lies within
a mile of the Ganges, which, there, has nearly a
southern course, and is about two hundred
yards broad ; with a depth of water from ten to
fifteen feet. About half a mile below the place
of passage, is a bed of rocks, extending from
the east side more than half nay across the
river, on which the stream breaks with some
force. The Ganges doth not here, as in your
more happy land, roll its tide through a country
spread with fertile plains and populous villages,
whose inhabitants live in peace and plenty.
Here, a thick gloomy forest, tenanted only by
the beasts of the field, skirts it on the eastern,
side ; and on the other, an uncultivated flat,
ovfer-fdn with low wood.

Ois the S!5th, crossed the river iLt thO f^riy of
jSTackerghaut, which is about twelve miles above
Hurdwar; the kafilah being to remain somO
days at J umali, I quitted it, and, accompanifed-
by the Kashmiiians, I joined a small party of
merchants carrying cOtton to the town Of
Nlite. I%e officer stationed on the #estem
sid^'Of the Gttfiges for the Colfectioft of customs,
Mfi mfe rnidCi' a tedfitribittibjn of livd rupeca ;

as. I Zeroed lo travel ihucli at ffiy
ease# I moSb b^ Ufeftldeil to* that Suih. It
was little purpose urging that I dW wH( pimm-
a^p^^rty on feo«i#ie hMlected,,

FOESTEfi’s TRAVELS.

227

or the justice of levying a tax on a traveller.
My argument was held wholly inadmissible,
and that of the custom-house officer being sup-
ported by a party of match-lock men, I gave
up, with decent resignation, the unequal con-
test. When the long roll of galling taxes im-
posed on other nations, esteemed rriore en-
lightened and humane than the mountaineers of
Siringnaghur, is considered, we shall probably
not judge the measure rigorous, which obliges
those riding at their ease to contribute to the
relief of a state that affiords a safeguard to their
persons by its salutary government.

On the S^th, arrived at the village of Khal-

sawala — seven cosses. The kafilah halted this

•»

day on a pleasant green plain adjoining to the
village, and skirted by a wood, through which
a transparent stream flowed in many a winding
channel, Frdm its alluring appearance, though
the weather was cold, I was induced to bathe ;
and to prevent interruption, 1 strayed into the
thickest part of the wood, which I found
ahouiKiing in peacocks, and a variety of ot|ier
birds, one of which resembled the common fowl,
but of a smaller size, and of very active flight.
On the 28th, at Dayrali, the residence of the
deputy of the Siringnaghur rajah. This 'S All
ithich Is ^pdlotjs and neatly may

ft 2

ggg fousteb’s travels.

be called the capital of the lower division * of
Siringnaghur, which includes a space of level
country lying between a chain of scattered hills
on the south, and the larger range of northern
mountains. The Sicques have an unrestrained
access into these parts through the southern
hills, which are broken by small valleys; and,
fearing no opposition from Zabitah Khan, they
can at pleasure penetrate into the lower dis-
tricts of Siringnaghur. The chief resides at a
town bearing the common name of the Terri-
tory, which lies, I am informed, about one
hundred miles to the north, and by the east of
Lali Dong. The inactivity of the present
rajah has enabled the Sicques to exact from this
country a regular tribute f , Of what superior
courage and resource was th at chief of Siring-
naghur, who, in defiance of Aurungzebe, the
most powerful prince of his time, protected the
son J of Dara, brother of the emperor, and his
deadly foe, regaitlless of every menace 1 But he
smra fames^^^ most destructive

evil, my friend, which Pandora's box let loose
upon the sons of man. It hath often armed
the son kgainst the father/ hath sown dissension

* It is called the fM^ toJiir equatryi

/;8^dtoberourth6«saodtuiw«»-aEm^lX., ' . ^

" , ' t. Sec 'BerniCT*^ actioiint "of -Sipsilii'Shelstfs- retreat, iirto Sirine* '

foisteb’s travels.

22§

m the marriage bed, and broken the tie of
honour, and the bonds of friendship.

To adjust the account of the Siringnaghur
customs, the kafilah halted until the 15th, when
we proceeded to Kheynsapoor — ten cosses. At
this place, I saw two Sicque horsemen^ who had
been sent from their country to receive the Si-
ringnaghur tribute, which is collected from the
revenues of certain custom-houses. From the
manner in which these men were treated, or
rather treated themselves, I frequently wished
for the power of migrating into the body of a
Sicque for a few weeks — so well did these cava-
liers fare. No sooner had they alighted, than
beds were prepared for their repose, and their
horses were supplied with green barley pulled
out of the field. The Kafilah travellers were
contented to lodge on the ground, and expres-
sed their thanks for permission to purchase what
they required; — such is the diflFerence between
those who were in, and those who were out of
power.

On the 6tb osf March crossed the Sumniu
and halted an ihe wssstem banks — eight cosses.
It flows with a clear strea-m to the south-east,
and has about the same breadth i^th the Oan-

ge*.. Fish ahouSd m this pW

i

^ It Is to bt noticed, that I cpossed thiese ‘Arm at the of
thekloirest ebb#

^30

IJOESfEB’s TSAVELS.

as I myself saw ; but I believe the acijaceni
inhabitants do not use any means of catclu
ing them. No cultivation is seen in the vici-
nity of the Jumna, though a spacious plain
extends on the western side, and might be wa-
tered without much difficulty from the river.
The Siritlgnaghur territory, which here termi-
n£(,tes, is bounded on the north and the north-
east, by the districts of independent Hindoo
Rajahs ; on the south by Oude ; on the west
and north-west by the Jumna ; and on the
sonth-west, by the dominions of the Sic-
ques. From Lall Dong to tije Ganges, the
country forms, with little interruption, a conti-
nued chain of woody hills. The elephant,
which abounds in these forests, but of a size
and quality inferior to that found in the Chit-
tagong and Malay quarters, is here only valued
for its ivory, fiom the Ganges to the Jumna,
t||,e road lies through an ejftensive yalley, of a
gpod foil, but thinly m^abit^|}, and interspersed
with wood. The food of the people is wheaten
bread a” 4 the latter being qfually made

into a soup; and, we» thgt^in th? course

of my life I ef,t a meal, ^ h%her re-
Ijsb, Vigop^oifi Ifhqp,

and a clear qir, thf

WUrse things than wheaten calces and peasc-SoupI
iPhe attempt to ascei^K iM’‘ I'W^iAe 4

FORSTES’S TRAVELS.

trj in which I have been so cursory a sojounicr,
would be presumptuous. I will therefore gene-
rally say, that Siringnaghur is computed to
give an annual produce of about twenty lacks of
rupees. The officer on the western side of the
Jumna, taxed me in the sum of two rupees;
alleging, that being merely a passenger, and
nnconnectfid with any traffic from which an
advantage would arise to the country, that I
Avas taxable in myself. The same argument
being held as at the Siringnaghur pass, and es-
teeming myself fortunate at falling under no
minuter notice, I paid the fine with pleasure*.

On the 7th, at Karidah — eight cosses; and
on the 8th, at Coleroon ^ seven cosses, —
hamlets of a few houses. Here two Kash-
mirians, a Sunassee*, myself and servant, quit-
ted the kafilah, and on the 9th, arrived at
Nhap — ^ight cosses; the residence of the chief
of a territory of the same name ; and who on
the day of our arrival, made a public entry
into tbe town after a long absence. A division
of tlte Nhan country extends to the southward
of thq hpad of the Punjab, and bordering t;|ie
country of the deques, they, agreeably toa.con-
dqct oba^rve^l with all their weaker p^ighhours,
tioqk posse^sioa of it. The hiwself

* *rhfeia«e6f a Hindoo Mbe, cfaJeSy df

though I havt.aefn aSueassee <;aiid»ctpi

FOBSTER’S TRAVEtS.

m

to recover the districts in question, but after a
desaltory warfare in whicli he acquired much
military credit, he was obliged to sue for peace ;
nor were the conquered lands restored until he
consented to remit a tribute ot two thousand
rupees to a certain Sicque chief. Ihis sum you
will doubtless deem infling, and it is so in your
country, where specie is plenty, and the mode
of living conformably luxurious and extrava-
gant. But amongst these mountaineer*, whose
manners are rude and simple, who seek for little
else than the necessaries of life, which are pro-
duced to them in great abundance, this amount
is important, and to collect it, requires even
oppressive exertion.

The inhabitants, and the foreign merchants
of the town, were laid under a severe contri-
bution for the maintenance of this w'ar; and
the chief having now discovered the weight
which the people can bear, it is probable that
he will continue to reap the benefit of the im-
post, though the cause is removed. The Rajah
of Nhan made an entry into his capital, not as
Alexander entered Babylon, but with some
dozen horsemen, sorrily clad, and very slender-
ly mounted. Had they indeed been better
equipped, both themselves and horses would
have shewn to Ijttle advantage, after clanabeiiug
pp at |«st six miles of aste^ niontrttin, o^

Forster’s teateis.

SS3

the summit of which the small, though neat,
town of Nhan stands. This chief, a handsome
young man, of a bright olive complexion, and
taller than the middle size, was dressed in a vest
of yellow silk, and a red turban ; and he was
armed with a sabre, a bow, and a quiver of ar-
rows. Though he has made them groan with
exactions, he is a great favourite of the people.
But he is young and brave, and he liberally dis]
burses what he extorts. The joy invariably ex-
pressed by the crowds who came to congratulate
his safe return, gave me a sensible pleasure.
They saluted him without noise or tumult, by
an inclination of the ,bo<^yj ^nd touching the
head with the right hand : hailing him at the
same time their father and protector. The chief,
whilst passing, spoke to them in terms affec*
tionate and interesting, which, like a stroke of
magic, seemed in an instant to erase every
trace of grievance. Such were the advantages
which pleasing manners and a liberality of tem-
per, joined to the other alluring qualities of a
soldier, gave to this prince; and will, unfortu-
' aateiy for their subjects, give to every prine'e
of similar eadowments on the face of the earth.
Would it ndt, be more productive of the welfare
of mankind,' that, instead of these clihqhant
a despotic ruler possessed 'a disposition
thorbu^ly impregnated with vice; that with

rOUSTBR’s TKAVEI*.

S34

liis tyranny, he united cowardice and envy,
avarice and arrogance? The sidyects of such a
prince, would be the sooner impelled to break
the disgraeeful yoke, and, by a successful exam-
ple, promote the general cause of civil liberty.

A SPECIES of fascination I find has now
capght me, and I cannot quit the ground with-
out introducing on it, which I do with a pro-
found reverence for his memory, and entreating
forgiveness of his shade for classing hiip hi speh
company, the illustrious Julius Caesar, who
may be quoted to confirm the truth of the fore-
going position. Cato’s supposed reflection on
• the character of this hero, concludes with im-
j^recatiug his virtues, for they had ruined Ifis
qquntry. No fact of ancient or modern his-
tory, 1^1 perhaps, given more literary plea-
sure, ttan the life of Cjesar; nor perhaps is
any record of the ancient annals better authen-
ticated. Had that great man restored, with
peace, the liberty of his country | had Cs^ar
d^erished the fire pf the Homan fenate,
would have had no parallel on earth, Yet, “ if
“ Caesar did wrqpg, he snifered grievously fqr
it.”— An €xenap;^ry; humanity, <?f rare grp wth
in his day, was |he native vistpp of C'PW,

attendant pf a f rpt
fW' 'The hapia^^. thrpjfs

^hstre op til# whuW

jorster’s travels.

S35

deserve oijr reproach ; but it adorns the soldier
with unsullied radiancy, and imparts to his lau-
rels a bloom, which otherwise are viewed with
honor, and exhibit only a badge of cruelty and
rapine.

On the IGth, at noon, I leftNhan; and that
evening, halting at the village of Saleannah, si-
tuate at the bottom of the hill and four cosses
distant from the town. In this quarter I first
saw, since I left Europe, the fir tree*, and the
willow, which, as in our country, delights in
hanging over a stream. From the top of the
Nhan hill, the plains of Sirhend present a wide
prospect to the south-east, aonth, and south-*
west : the view to the northward is terminated
at a short distance by snowy mountains, t-ittl®
danger being novf incurred from travelling in
small bodies, as the mountains compqse a b%riri|,r
against the depredations of the Si(;^i|es oy.oth^r
marauders, our party ffom this to ^elks-
pour was small. To assist my servant, I had en-
tertained a Kashmirian trader ip ^mall
*^companied me from Najeb (^bqr;
he was at all times a u^pful and a

.. .1) r..

On the 13th, at ^

vtllafi on a Wgh i^iH of^sjeejp
^|s%. M ^hrbugh a
,i .f That species

ggg fORSTER’s TRAVELS,

country, abounding, we were told, witli a va-
riety of wild beasts. A tiger had newly marked
our path with the impression of his feet ; and
being then informed that this creature always at-
tacks animals in preference to men, I immediate-
ly dismounted, and led my poor little horse. The
tiger, and I believe generally, the feline species,
possess but a small share of courage, and seldom
openly seizes its prey j but, lurking in conceal-
ment, attacks by surprise, and if unsuccessful,
steals away into a hiding place without return*
ing to the onset ; and in contradistinction to
the canine species, whose great strength lies in
the jaw, the feline strike their prey with the
fore-feet and talons. It is said that a tiger,
♦haying once tasted human flesh, becomes fond
of it, and gratifies his appetite when It can be
done without encountering any conspicuous
danger. Yet it would appear, that all animals
have a dread of man, which proceeding from
the novelty of his appearance, or: perhaps some
instinctive fear of his powers of oflPence, |®inpt8
them, whfen, not furious with hunger, ll shun
^.,theCO«testL.-^lrhis;.cvening, I: was comfortably
:'':|ddgeii 'in;: 'the, front .-of; a.) Hindoo ■ rctait 'Shwap,''
■„;,:fehdre: ah ■ exheflcnt mesa of .ipease ■' and' 'wheateai
cakes was served upTo tis. excuse roe fot

nodihg'fhis dotnesikp concern, iyliich’is'to'ine
of gteat roomenh; for by such wholesome

FOESTia’s THAVELS. fST

meals, my strength was unimpaired, and my
daily progress made with vigour. « Covered
quarters during the night was what we an-
xiously sought after, but did not always obtain.
The Hindoos, though hospitably disposed to
travellers, are averse to admitting Mahometans,
whom they hold unclean, into any part of their
houses.

Osr the 14th, at Lawasah — six cosses ; — a
few scattered houses. This day’s journey con-
sisted in climbing steep mountains ; and though
my little horse was as active as a goat, I was
obliged, from the almost perpendicular height,
to walk the greatest part of the way. For the
benefit of such travellers who may come within
your knowledge, and be disposed to pursue my
track, you must inform them that the shop
keeper at Lawasah is a great rogue, a noisy
wrangler, and mixes a great quantity of barley
with his whekt-meaL As he is the only
man of his profession in the place, there is no
remedy for the evil, but laying in a stock at Su-
dowra, where they will find honest treatment,
and lodging to hoot. Though it is not very
probable that this recommendation will be 'Of
material use to the honest man at Sudownsg,* yet
I feel a pleasure in mentioning his gopda^s to
me* - ^

0N the 15ih, at Coultk— ninO <2«if5;+Trtwo

238 rORSTEE’i TRAVELS.

or three scattered houses. The Nhan country
is bounded here by the small district of Boje-
pour, which depends on the Bellaspour chief. —
On the Ibth, halted on the banks of a nulla —
seven cosses. Met on the road a Kashmirian
family, consisting of a goldsmith, his wife,
and some children, who were travelling to some
town on the borders of Thibet, where they In-
tended -to settle.

On the 17th, atKunda, a small village — eight
cosses, and about five miles to the north-west
of Durmpour, the residence of the chief of a
small district, generally subject to the authority
of the Bellaspotfr govenitnent. At Durmpour
I paird a duty of t\Vo rupees for passing my liorsc.

l5th,' at Gowrdh,— nine cosses. I
diiting- tfjeliekt df ^he dky near a w'ater-
mrfl, the first 1 had see'n in India. It was
constrticted on' the principle of the like machine
ifi but of more simple mechanism and

‘ti^orkih'anship. About two o’clocfic in
l’o‘b8eVvddah eclipse of the moon, '
thf6‘ of^ wlitch' continued partially shaded

t4‘o^tiO*fi#. In the evening, onr little
U'fiafifaeft Cot’tage, where wc so-
Id Ibtl^b our' baggage, and to
U‘fi<S‘ef‘'"Ohe'*<:tf'Ki3Wed8. The farjnfer can-'
booking stedfetly in my fijc?,. wlfich ‘
s|8uf^’'flot to 'tnkt he was appi*ehen$iv^

FOBSTER^S TRAVERS.

S39

tliat an out-side lodging would not satisfy us.
It was with much difficulty he would bcliev’’e
that we had sought his house only for sheltw,
and it was not until the Kashmirian had shewn
him some small wares for sale, that we were
suffered to occupy the front of his house. The
districts of Ilundali and Gowrah, are denomi-
nated the Barrah Tukrah*, being certain portions
of territory bequeathed by a chief of Beliaspour
to his younger son, some fifty years ago.
These petty states are ill governed, and it is
only among them that the traveller, > from the
Ganges to Kashmire, incurs the risk of being
pillaged.

0#f the 19th, at the village ofTaynaghur —
titn cosses. On the 20th, at Beliaspour— twelve
cosses, the residence of the Ranee or female ru-
ler of the Kalour territory. This town stands
on the south-east side of the Setloud oip Sat#
hidgi^ the most easterly of the five rivers,' frpm
wMeh the fiaffie of Punjab f given to the
tract of couatty extending from Sifhend t04h®
ladua.! The Setloud, a very rapid streak,' le ait
this place aboat one hnndtedy&rds broad. < fitel#
iiispour is a wclihbttih! towtti and
regularity not often seen in these parlft*
streets are p«ved^ tli§ugh ratfe#

^ A te*ia in tiw Hmduee, 9igt4i^m| twelve ger&k. ^

4* 'A \keiJ, ##aieiSv.

S40

yOHSTEB’S TKAVEES.

the houses, constructed of stone and mortar^
have a neat appearance. Kalour is bounded to
the northward by the Kangrah districts ; to the
eastward by a large tract of country called Bus-
seer ; to the southward by Nhan j and to the
westwai-d by the Punjab ; and its revenue is said
to amount to twelve lacks of rupees. On iny
arrival atBellaspour, I found the Ranee engaged
in a war with the chief of Kangrah, on the
. limits of whose country her army was then
encamped. It may not edify or perhaps enter-
tain you to know the cause of this fell dispute,
%vhich however had taken such possession of the
minds of the mountainee,rs, and to them was so
important an event, thht they seemed to think
the hills and forests of Bellaspdur the seat of
universal war.^^^^^ siege of Troy, and the
conflicts on the Scamander, would have appeared
as mere skirmishes to these sylvan heroes ; aud
they probably would have allowed no other
degree of comparison, than that women; wetc
the,^us^ But 3:8 I myself became

involuntarily interested in their story„ and h**
ving little pther matteri: to; eornmnn am
iinduced ,to intrude .i’ Sketeb of it on -youf)
'.patience. . ■: K

'J’o;deduqe ih,i%^.fvehlf4hm,a.tt,er^«^:p#,;I:;^
call your attention to tlm dap pf^cbar, who ir
Jaid. to' have been\t^;’^s|,1^llipmetmi prince

FORSTEK’s TEAVSEf.

mi

'who reduced the northern mountains of Iliii-
dostan to the obedience of the empires Towards
the northern limit of Kalour, is a strong hold
on an eminence, called the Kotc Kangrah, the
reduction of which detained Acbar, who com-
manded the expedition in person, a whole year,
according to the tradition of this quarter. To
reward one of his oflicers who had signalized
himself in this service, he bestowed on him the
captured fort, with a considerable space of ad-
jacent territory. The descendants of this chiefs
who arc of the Sheah’s sect of Mahometans, conti-
nued in the possession until the present period,
when the Rajah of Kangrah, on some pretence,
laid the districts waste, and besieged the fort.
Unable himself to repel the enemy, the Maho-
metan solicited the aid of the ’JBellaspour Ranee,
who, with the spirit of a heroine, afforded speedy
and vigorous succour to her neighbour, whose
cause she has already revenged by plundering
and destroying almost every village of Kan-
grah ; the chief of which now vainly asserts,
that the Ranee, seeing his country destitute of
defence, seized, under the colour of assisting
her ally, the occasion of augmenting her own
power.

Halted on the Slst and 2Sd, at Bellaspour.
These wars did not a little derange our measure
of progress, especially as there was attached 'Up

VOL. r. R

FORSTEJSl’S THAVEIS.

m

the Kangrah army, through which we must
aiecessarily pass, a body of Sicques, who had
impressed, with a lively terror, even this seques-
tered region. The two Kashmirians, now my
only associates, wxre averse to any motion until
we should be reinforced. After much entreaty,
they consented to accompany me to the Bellas-
pour camp, where the probability of meeting
passengers going to the northward, they were
obliged to confess, was greater than in the
town. But to a rooted indolence, the common
want of enterprise presides over all the actions
of an Indian ; and here let me observe, that our
principal superiority over them, will largely
consist in attacking this weak side. The prompt
(deeision of our councils, the vigour of action,
must in every contest with them command suc-
cess. This constitutional inactivity and languor
of the mind, have been farther promoted by the
creed of predestination and astrology. A mi-
nute attention is shewn by the natives of India
to certain days, hours, and minutes. On the
commencement of any service, or in the per-
formance of even the ordinary duties of life,
their conduct is regulated by the immediate
period ; and should the calculator discover a
reluctancy, Or desire of delay in hi» employer,
or apprehend that his own reputation might
in the' event, „,^he usnally lays.a, bat. on" the' ■■

forsteb’s tbavem. S43

undertaking. Over suck men wkat advantage
do we not possess? Yet in some of the late
military transactions of India, we have weak-
ened our claim to those natural and acquired
powers, which English soldiers in most of their
actions have displayed iii this country. Do not
misconstrue the tendency of this digression,
and mark me as an abettor of the incursions
and depredations which we are occasionally used
to make on the lands of our neighbours. Our
conduct to one * of them has been as unjust as
it was unwise, nor do I know whether to attribute
the favourable conclusion of the event f to good
fortune, or to the folly of our enemies.

On the evening of the 23d, crossed in a ferry-
boat, the Setloud, a narrow, deep, and rapid
river, full of windings, and halted at a small
village opposite to Beliaspour, though the dis-
tance from the ferry was nearly two miles from
the town. A Tumboo-shall kafilah had en-
camped on the north side of the town on its way
to Delhi and Lucknow, with the proprietors of
which, or rather their agents, I formed an ac-
quaintance j and through their influence witlj:
the collector of the customs I was permitted to
pass without obstacle. This assistance was the
more opportune, as the Sellaspour government

Marhattas. ' ,

f The conTC»tion of Wargauffl, which corered. «s with dwgRice.

^ m '2,

§41 Forster’s TBAVELS,

h deemed jealous and oppressive. The collec-'
tor extended his favour even to a iengrli tliat I
had not expected, for he not only expeflitcd my
passage through the Bellaspour districts, but
gave me a recommendatory letter toliis brother,
who was the manager of the Kacgrah custom-
house. The people of the Tumboo kafiiah were,
df: irons of knowing my story, anrl you also,
periiaps, woulil wish to be infornsed of the pre-
sent one, certain parts of wdiich, on hearing-
that tile Turkisli laviguay:e was spoken by a per-
son of tlie party, I compiled for the use of tlie
day. God only knows, rny friend, what a
varied multiplicity of fictions I have formed in
the course of this journey : and I have to sup-
plicate his pardon for the fabrication, astvell as
to hope for your actpiiescence in the necessity.
The tenour of my story sets forth, that I was by
birth a Turk, and had come when young to
India, where I was taken into the house of a
person of distinction who had brought me up.
That from my long residence in India, I had for-
gotten my native language, and that my pro-
fession lifid been chiefly that of a soldier, which
quitting on a disgust, I had collected my little
property and become a travelling merchant.
The story, not very complex, possessed plausi-
bility sufficient to procure common bellefj and
I myself had entered so warmly into its spirit.

fosstek’s tbavels.

that I began to believe it. I must here inform
you, that having been seen two or three times
writing on the road, 1 was told by one of the
passengers that is was an European custom, and
a very useless one. The remark alarmed me,
but I told him without much hesitation, that I
had been always accustomed to write my current
expences, that at the end of the year I might
ascertain the amount, and not exceed my in-
come. My remarks were usually noted in a
rude Persian character ; but whilst I was writing
an English letter from this place, a Kashmirian
who was sitting near me, and who had formerly
served on board one of our country ships, ob-
served, that I wrote from the left to the right
in the European manner: but on being told that
the Turks used the same method, he seemed
satisfied. From an inattention to one of the
forms of my new character, instead of sitting
down, as the Asiatics invariably do in the per-
formance of urinal evacuation, I used occa-
sionally to stand upright ; and being severely re-
prehended for this uncleanliuess, I alleged that ,
the habit was not uncommon aijoongst soldiers,,
who from the hurry of service, and their dissi-
pated course of life, make many deviations from
the rules of decorum. But the want of pene-
tration, or the good humour in which we lived

§46 fohsteb’s travels.

together, has prevented my companions from
seeing through my disguise, which I now en-
tertain sanguine hopes of preserving to the end
of my journey.

I am, dear Sir,

Yours, &c. &c.

foestiek’s TRAVEI.3,

S4T

LETTER X.

Nourpour, 1783.

Dear Sib,

On the 22cl of last mouth*
I had the pleasure of describing to you my
journey from Lall Dong to BcUaspour, and I
can now with pleasure say, that, unhurt by the
Sicques, tigers, or thieves, I am safely lodged
in Nourpour, the principal town of a district
of the same name. From the western bank of
the Setloud, we proceeded on the 24th of
March to the village of Comour Hattee, — eight
cosses. An- Hattee, which in the language of
this country signifies retail shop, affords the
best accommodation for a traveller, and I
always endeavoured to make one my halting
place. There I procured wheat, wheat-meal,
pease; and ghee*, of which my common fare is
composed, and by the applying in civil terms^
the shopkeeper commonly indulged me with
the use of the front part of his shop.

* Butter boiled, in which state it is always used for cuiiaary

‘ plirpotes ill » clla.

yORSTEtt’s TBAVEES.

S4S

On the 25th, in the Bellaspour army — tea
cosses. It will not demand the pen of Homer
to describe the different, powers which formed
this camp ; their strength, the names and cha-
racters of their leaders, or the situation of the
groand which they occupied : suffice it to say,
tua : about 300 horses, and BOOO foot-men,
armed with match-locks, swords, spears, and
clubs, wei'G huddled together on two sides of a
hill, in a deep state of confusion and filth.
Having resided for the space of four months in
this spot under small sheds made of the boughs
of trees, you will naiuruily suppose, that the
effects resulting from the situation could neither
have been pleasant or salutary. In all, were
four very ordinary tents, one of which was oc-
cupied by the generalissimo, a brother, and I
believe an elder one, of the late chief of Bellas-
pour; for the order of succession in the line of
primogeniture, is not at this day strictly ad-
hered to in India, either ainongst the Hindoos,
or Mahometans. This . personage, from age,
being ineapable of perfortnmg any active duty,
bad appoitited a younger brother to the ex-
ecutive command. The Ranee, with her son,
a youth of about ten years of age, and a fa-
vourite, Sunnassee, had fetired during the war
to an acyacent fort, where sihe difected the ge-
.peral' operation; of; the''' Wir.''''',;-' ’Haying, dhteT??!'

Forster’s travels.

249

thus far into tlie history of Bellaspour, I will pro-
ceed to explain some parts of the story of this
lady, which, as they tend to place female con-
duct in a distinguished point of view, I embrace
the occasion with pleasure. And here permit
me to declare with a fervent sincerity, and an
lionourahle sense of the dignity of character
to which I aspire, that 1 am a zealous friend of
%vornen, and that as far as the offering of my
mite will contribute to their aid, or to a display
of their various merit, it shall be held forth
with a willing hand.

Quitting these encomiums on myself rather
fhan on the sex, I am to inform you that the
Bellaspour Ranee, on the death of the late
chief, which happened about three or four
years ago, declared herself the guardian of her
son, and regent of the country. She was op-
pose<l ill this purpose by her husband’s brother,
the person who now commands the army ; and
she had also to combat the many difficulties in-
cident in this country to her sex, the most em-
barrassing of which was a preclusion from public
appearance ; yet, baffling every attempt made to
subvert her authority, she firmly estabiislied
herself in the governnient,* The event of the

has already been obsem^ in thte letter on lliadoo Hiytho-
logy, tlwit.'ainfcingst- the' Hindoos, a wjmaufou Ifeo'ddadse of.the,
h'lffihwd becomes, aw ineffitMewt member but ian the-,
present day tiiis ordmauce'w'bfteB over-ruied bx Ibbiiitervewaow of

ffORSTEtt’s TKAVBM.

mo

Eanee’s success, brought on the confiiietnent of
her competitor ; but after a short time, during
which he experienced a lenient treatment, he
was released. This dame of spirit, wdio hath
evinced strong traits of a disposition fitted for
conducting cither military or civil schemes, and
who hath hitherto been fortunate in them, is at
this day enthralled by the force of love. Whether
this passion is to be classed amongst the alloys
of our virtues, according to the doctrine of the
most rigid moralists, or whether it heightens
the lustre of those already possessed, and even
creates good qualities in us, as the elegant
Yorick has advanced, are questions submitted,
with a due deference to the intricacy of the
subject, to those who are skilled in the exten-
sive paiision of love. The .object of this lady’s
favour I saw, and the choice she has made is a
proof of good taste. He is a young handsome
Hindoo of a religious tribe, wlio, contrary to
thettsage of his sect, which is founded on rules
almost as severe as those of the Garth usian,^
dresses gayly, and in the Mahometan fashion.
From a certain levity, though politeness of
manners, set off by the delicate fancy of his
apparel, you at the first glance pironounce. bim
a favourite of the women. Such are the changes

power, wealth, or krtriguc, In tWs b<^ it may wjt be improper

■lo 'FiieatiGiii tiie de*"

¥0B$7EK’s TRATELS.

S5f

wliicli love can produce, even amongst a people
who observe their religious ordinances n-itli a
scrupulousness ineconcileable to common sense,
and which in some instances border on gross
absurdity*. Thus mach for the Ranee of Bei-
laspoi'.r, to whom be all success 1

I NOW learned that my progress towards the
Kt'ingrab army, would, without the protection
of an escort, be attended with much risk. In
order to procure so essential air accommoda-
tion, I waited on the commander *in-chief, then
sitting under a banian tree, and attended by his
principal officers, the greater part of them clad
in native buff. Some new levies were passing*
in review before bim, that had come in from the
country, or rather the woods; for they bore a
strong resemblance to the description given in
heathen story of the satyrs, fawns, and other bran-
ches of the sylvan race ; nor do I think that all
the powers of a Prussian drill-serjeant, extensive
as they are, could have impressed on them a com
petent knowledge of military discipline. On ap-
proachiiig the chief, I made an offering of a rn*
pee, laid on the corner of my vest, You will
be pleased to notice^, that the piece of money
isij not to be placed on tlie naked habd; fcastt on

* in the neighbourhood of Benares is a sect of religious IliiidoOs,
who, it is said, forbear makmg any u» of their hands, even on the
laost'iwcttary occasion* ; '' but we fed and; ''listed by ;othei^., ■

252 roRSTEa’s tratels.

a handkerchief, or some part of the garment
held out for that purpose; and though t- ;’ su-
perior shall be disposed to favour the clieui, jet
from motives of generosity or an attention to
his condition, it often happens, that be does
not take the offering, but touches It with his
finger. The honour is then supposed to be
conferred, and the hope of obtaining protec-
tion or assistance, if sought for, is entertained.
The chief received me with civility, and com-
plied with the request, that our party ir.ight
be permitted to accompany the first messenger
who should, be dispatched into the Kangrah
camp ; and he also intimated that some letters
which weie preparing, w'ould soon be for-
warded. He looked obliquely at my offering,
which he touched, but would not receive. A
day or two afterwards, I discovered this moun-
taineer to be composed of the same materials,
which, with few deviations, form the com-
mon disposition of the natives of India. On
visiting him a second time, attended only by
the cotewaul* (also the acting mast^of ce-
remonies), I was told that I might present my
offering, which being an Alum Shahee rupee f,
a coin of rather an inferior vajue in this quarter,
I was received with a frown, and my money

■ of police,, ■ ■' ' f A rupee of ;the presont .reign, ;■

Forster’s teaveia -

253

Tuiderwent a strict examination. Would you
not imagine that I had been bargaining with a
Jew pedlar, instead of conferring with the
chief of a country? Though I was mortified
at beholding among us so glaring a meanness
and want of decorum, yet, as a trait of national
cliaracter was disclosed, I received some satis-
faction in obtaining so unequivocal a testimony
of it. In further proof of the inconsistency of
conduct, as well as a want of fortitude in the
, people of this country, I am induced -to relate
to you an event (though foreign to the imme-
diate purpose of this letter) that came within
my own knowledge. At the time when the
Mahometans were driven from Kattuck, the
chief of that territory fled to Bengal, where
having expended the amount of the treasure
and moveables that had been preserved, he went
to the coast of Coromandel, and was received
into the list of pensioners maintained by the
Navaub of the Carnatic. During the regular
payment of the allowance, this man enjoyed easej
and by the show of a palanquin, and a respectable
retinue, he maintained a certain state. The pro-
vision which the Navaub at that time fqumi
it, expedient to make fpr pensioners qf a higher
order, caused a deduction from the stipend of his
Kattuck depeiident, who then laid do wn hjs palan-
'quin, and purchasedasniallhqrse. This was doubt-

254

Forster’s travels.

less a inortifying degradation j but the cup of
bis sorrow M as not yet full : for on a greater
reduction, and at length, a total abolition of the
pension, this poor man losing sight of the
character he had supported, and blinded by a
vanity which discouraged all industrious exer-
tion for a Kvelihood, became notoriously ad-
dicted to fraud, and petty-thefts ; and was
scarcely saved from an ignominious end. I
have quoted these examples, thinking them
more conclusive in conveying to you a know-
ledge of charactei’, than any speculative obser-
vation. But when the miitd at an early period,
is not accustomed to behold and admire exam-
ples of integrity and honour, or taught to shun
with horror and contempt the habits of vdee ;
bn the contrary, When the instructiou given to
youth, te.nds to appreciate the duties of life by
the performance of futile ceremonies, and the
study of legends pregnant with fable, or vio-
lent prejudices, we are not to wonder at such
acts, of depravity.

The flies tormented me so niuch in the Bella-
spour army, that I could not but with difliculty
secure my T.od from their vile attacks. A cer-
tain quantity of pbisotv I believe is contained in
the body of an Indian fly ; for on swallowing it,
a nausea and vomiting almost immediately mc-
ceed.''>.'T" had 'iroagibed'ythat thetsi'ckness'migM',

rOBSTBa’s TKATELS.

§35

proceed from the motion of the insect in the
stomach, but on examining one after it had
been discharged, I perceived it without life,
though but a very short time deprived of its
natural air. The intense heat of the stomach
indeed, must speedily cause the suffocation of
so small an animal.

Our situation in the Bellaspour camp was dis-
gusting and incommodious. The heat was in
the extreme, with a compound of smells arising
from the filth of the people, that grossly tainted
the air : and I became so anxious to escape,
that I had determined to embrace any mode of
operation which might lead to a change of quar-
ters. This eagerness had almost produced a
measure, which probably would hav^ caused a
material failure of my plan. Two messengers
who were to convey proposals of peace to the
Ktngrah camp, promised to conduct our party
thither in safety, and I had resolved to commit
myself to their charge, though much opposed
by my associates, who decidedly said, that
these men would betray us. The chief s cho-
bedar*, a brother Mahometan, also endeavoured
to impress me with an ill opinion of these mes-*
sengers. Had they formed any scheme of mis-
chief, it was happily frustrated on the eyening

. « ' , A pevsoB wtw cwr«f » er .

556 yoBsTsn’s travels.

previously to our intended departure, by the
arrival of a drove of asses, laden with iron, who
were pursuing our route. On the i29th, the
joint party moved, and had arrived at the boun-
dary of Bellaspour, eight miles distant from the
camp, when our troubles came thick upon us.
Two of the Kangrah horsemen appeared in
front, and passing me, rvent towards the rear,
where they plundered the ironmongers to the
amount of one hundred rupees, which is accoun-
ted a large sum m these parts. They seized also
on a Kashmirian, who w^as lagging behind, and
were in the act of stripping him, when he loudly
cried out, (which was not true,) that he was my
servant, and that I was a person of some dis-
tinction. This intelljigence induced the horse-
men to follow me 5 but on approaching, one of
them observed that I bad the appearance of a
halla atidimee*, and should not suffer any
molestation; that only stragglers, and single
travellers fell under their notice. Seeing them
disposed to this civil, treatment, I procured the
Kashmirian’s release, as also that of my own
servant, who had come up during the parley,
and had been likewise taken in custody. It
was, I believe, a fortunate event for the prison-
ers that I returned, for our cavaliers were then

* In the Hindostatiy language, any person above the ordinaj;^

'h'Eo d'eminiiaatecL'^ ' ’

257

foestek’s travels.

dltbctioL^T’ seem nice in the

M.tinctions of persons; for whilst I remained
”7 P--nge,.s were laid under c„« ^
■on, from one of ,eh„,„, an aas-driver tliev
look a pa,r of shoes. We were informed tbft
n o hundred Sicqnes who had been lately enter-
tained in the Kangrah service, would soon
appear. Aware of the licentious manners of the
■lisciples of Nanoek •. especially when employed
III foreign service, I would then willingly have
s mfcd a moiety of my property to have hid
he other seemed. There was no other remedy

wlirra'"® “'1 easel

winch. Heaven knows, ill corresponded withmv

heait ; so pushing my horse into a quick trot

I was speedily conveyed into the midst of this

formidable corps, who recplrprl
tiwiv K.if -1 ^®ceived me very atten-
tively^ but without offering any violence.

magining our approach to have been that of the

enemy, Vieques were preparing for the fight
Z ^ ^ exclaimed, in the tone

of rehgtous ^ijaculation, that their prophet had

Ismobn^r^ tokem of respect, I had
_ mounted, and was leading my hors^ when

a SIcque, a smart fellow, mounted on an adtive

rntallThelLTnc T™®' J'''

anipw, wftefcher in contempt of me or my horse
pe*«|J«of both; attacked as fiet^%^froi^;tlje

25S

fohsxer’s travels.

rear, and in the assault, which was violent, the
Sicque fell to the ground. The action ha-
ving commenced on the top of a, hill, he rolled
with great rapidity to the bottom of it, and
in his way down, left behind him his matchlock,
sword, and turban: so complete a derangement,
I feared, would have irritated the whole Sicque
body ; but on evincing the show of much sorrow
for the disaster, and having assiduously assisted
in investing the fallen horseman with his scat-
tered appurtenances, I received general thanks.

My good fortune, which had this day repelled
a series of perils, conveyed me in safety to the
camp of the Kangrah, or, as he is often called,
from a more ancient name of his country, the
Katpehin chief. We regaled ourselves this
eveuing with great joy, having su-fFered from
hunger as well as fatigue, though we had only
travelled about sixteen or seventeen miles. A
small body, chiefly of horse, was stationed at
this camp ; the greater part of the forces under
the cowrnand of the Rajah, being employed in
the siege of Rote Rangrah,. The common road
to Jiuabo from lienee, lay through Nadoiie^
the' priocipal town in the T^angrah country#

: and:;:througlT tlie district . ; of T-Iuriepoar';; ' 'but
■:tii€sc places ';beiiigfhe«"mTri’nn':;. by the Si'eques,

:■ ;y-e^were(>bjigcd'vt<r;;d:ew;afe- 'from

and proceed to the we§tvv4t4,!: • is to be feared

fokster’s travels.

§59

that these turbulent mountaineers, the disturb-
ers of their solitary abode, will stir up such
commotions in their land, as to wholly shut up
this road, the only secure one from India to Kash-
mire, or render the passage so precarious, that no
advantage will compensate the risk*'.

On the 30th, we moved, and joining the ka-
filah of the iron merchants again, accompanied
it to Sooree — six cosses ; — a small village, of
which most of the carriers were inhabitants.
The halt was made at this village from a desire
of the carriers to see their families, for it was at
the distance of a full day’s journey out of their
road. To the eastward of Sooree, which lies in
a valley, we crossed a ridge of high and steep
mountains.

Ok the 3!st, at Bompal — four cosses;- — a
*maU hamlet situated on an eminence. This
day’s journey was made short for the accomitjo-
dation of the iron roerch ants, who went to l^ie
Kangrah camp to attempt the recovery of The
. property which the Sicques had plundered ; but
they returned without redress, and now seemed
anxious to leave the country; as, instead of pro-
curing t restitution or payment, farther demands
had been made. All this night, I was exposed to
a conti nhed and copious rain : — and here let me

' ■* :'rfei».stp|»ehenf»onhasb^n?aice,ffri%(J'

$60 fokstee’s travels.

observe, with sincere thanks for the blessings
of a hale constitution, that, though I have, in
the course of this journey, endured much seve-
rity of weather, tny health has hitherto received
no injury.

A CONTINUANCE of the rain detained us at
Bora pal until the Sd of April, when we arrived
at Churabah— eight cosses ; — a small village,
depending on the chiefship of JessouL At a
short distance from Bompal, we were stopped
by the collector of Nadone, who had come three
miles from his house, in defiance of the troubled
state of the country, to receive from us a toll
duty of a few ^ence. At about raid-way on the
right-hand side of thd* road is seen a place of
Hindoo worship, at the foot of which runs the
Byas Gunge % with a rapid stream of about one
hundred yards broad f. A great part of the road
from Bompal to Chutnbah lay through a valley,
watered by the Byas, on the noi th side of which
is seen the level and fertile district of Huriepour.
The territory of Kangrah, or Ktochin, is limit-
ed on the north, and north-west by Huriepour ;
on the east by Chumbay ; on the south by Ka-
lour ; and on the west by the Punjab. The ordi-
nary revenue, estimated at seven lacks of rupees,
has been much diminished by the chiefs alliance

^ * I'lic second of the Fimjab riyer^ tom the ea^twacd*

f The oaiMt mm ta the loft* »

rORSTSU’s TRAVELS.

§61

•with the Sicques, who spread destruction,
wherever they go. These marauders are now
acting the part of the man whom fable repre-
sents to have been invited by the horse, to aid
his contest with the boar ; and you know the
uses to which the thoughtless horse was applied,
•when victory was decided in favour of the com-
bined forces.

This day, our little party, which had been
joined in the Bellaspourcampl^y the Kashmirians,
resolved, from a dread of the Sicques, who had
invested the common track, to quit the kafilah,
and through detached paths ehdetvqur to reach
Jumbo. A native trader of India, it is to be
observed, holds his time in small estimation,
and would rather halt for two or three months,
than incur even a common risk.

On the 3d, at Dada— ten cosses ; dependent
on the chief of Sebah. Trom a streant lun-
niug through the village, we procured some ex-
cellent fish, of the size and something of the
taste of trouts. This district, by its approach
to the head of the Punjab, lies wholly ^ the
mercy of the Sicques, who are, I think, the plains
cst dealers in the -world. The fort of Sebah*,

^ f 'iltote of and the

only seen the moentaim* The

' ' tlieTucJab lias perliap tlie' toomtaiiieers to for-

tfy this place*' '' '

f62

foKstek’s travels.

standing pleasantly on the brink of a rivulet,
lay oti oiir road; and in passing it, I saw two
Sicque cavaliers strike a terror into the chief
and all his people, though shut up within their
fort. They had been sent to collect the tri-
bute M-hich the Sicques have imposed on all
the tnoUntain chiefs from the Ganges to Jumbo;
and, offended at the delay of the payment,
thesb high-spoken men were holding to the
affrighteued Hindoos, that style of languagei
which one of our provincial magistrates would
direct at a gypsey, or sturdy beggar. Indeed,
my friend, no ordinary exertion of fortitude,
ti6 common share of philanthropy is required,
to wield with temper the rod of |)ower ; which,
from the frailty' of his nature^ man. is ever im-
clined to use with severity i. Yet surely, when he
looks into himself, he Will see many a strong
reason to qualify its stroke. From a spirit of
impatienc^j which haying long actuated me, I
atti! 'i'hdaraed^vto ■Think is , innafie,. -I ^ '5lny

Compamonsv and gomg abolit a mH fwnt,

fell ‘m with a horsemaov Who had much the ap-
pearance of a freebooter ; but being well arnied,
and evidentLy tire stronger man, I did not ap-.
prebend any risk from a rencounter. Seeing
me a strangerj and frewn the quality of my
equipnteut, a fit subject for j|>lu pdcr, lie stopped
ine, and in a peremptory mannef, asked ; my

TOaSsTER’S TRAVELS.

ms

occupation, and place of abode. My answers
were neither explanatory nor gracious, and my
departure abrupt, though he had expressed a
strong desire of farther communication; and
seemed offended at the unconcern of my de-
portment. About a quarter of a mile farther
on, I met a Sicque horseman, well armed, who
was evidently in search of adventure. After
reconnoitring me attentively, and apprehending,
I imagine, that a contest would be of doubtful
event, for my sword was long, and my coun-
tenance, by the air I had assumed, ferqe, he po-
litely saluted me, and passed. The person whom
I first saw, had halted, and on the junction of
the Sicque, a council was held by them on the
subject of my moveables ; the result of which
was to return and take them from me. My com-
panions who gave me this information, came up
while these men of the blade were communing
on the plan of attack, and an Aclaircissement
took place. They discovered that these foot-
men, four in number, were associates of him,
whose property they intended to invade; and
naturally concluded, that however decided the
odds bf tfvo to one might have been, so great
an additional strength to our party, would ma-
nifestly turn the chances ; and, swayed pro-
bably by ' this forcible argument^ fhey gave u»
ndmolestatidn.

TORSTES’S TRAVELS.

^64

On the 4th at Tuhvara,— ten cosses ; a
in the district of Dutar, where the Sicque chief
has erected a small fort, and holds the adjacent
territory. The country to the southward now
assumed a level aspect, which to me had an ef-
fect inexpressibly pleasing ; for my eye had long
been disgusted, and, 1 may say, imprisoned, by
mountain piled on mountain, till the highest
pierced the clouds. The district of Dutar, or
Dutarah, extends on the interior side of the
Punjab hills, through which our late southern
inclination had penetrated. In this day’s jour-
ney, our party was reduced to the Kashmirian
trader and myself ; three Kasinnirians, who had
joined our party in the Bellaspour camp, w'ent
on before, and my servant lagged behind. In
The evening, having reached the hottom of a
hill,_ \re observed a body of horsemen descending
in our road. The sight of these men, who were
immediately known to be Sicques, gave a serious
alarm j and on their near approach, I deposited,
unnoticed by my companions, my little property
of bills and cash in an adjacent bush. But we
had formed an unjust opinion of these cavaliers;
and 1 am to think myself singularly fortunate,
in being enabled in two instances to place their
conduct in a favourable point of view:; Tills
party, consisting df about two hundred, many
of whoni were MahotnetanSj was then marphibg

FOnSTEU’S TRAVELS.

265

into the Hurriepour district. Summoning an
affected composure of countenance, we affected
to smoke our pipes, from which some of the
Mahoraetaiis touk a whiff en passant, and at the
sa^ie time gave lis an assurance of protection
against any ill designs of their associates; for
notwithstanding the looks we had borrowed,
tl jy must have seen much embarrassment in
them. After tlieir departure, I took my va-
luables out of the bush without the observance
of sTiy companion, who M^as transported with
joy ..t the escape, swearing, by his beard, that
on reaching our evening quarters, he would offer
up to Mahomet, or to his national saint Mucr-
doom Saib, two-pennyworth of brown sugar, in
thanksgiving for the extraordinary preservation.
We met many of the Sicque stragglers, who are
always the most mischievous ; these we directed
to speedily join their companions, who, we said,
had s t rictly enjoined us to give such di rections ;
and this pretended message gave us some credit;
for seeing we had not been plundered by their
party, they followed the same meritorious ex-
apiplec':,/ 'p-'''' f b'V.'f'

A SHOBrkEBVER accomihodated us with a
convenient lodging at Tulwara, where, beihg
joiped by my seryant, who had likewise been
involved in the dangers of the day, though he
hady Carefuliy preserved the remains of the fish

FORSTEU’S TRATEES.

p6

that had been procured at Dada, a sumptuous
feast was served up, and joyously participated.
The trutli of this remark will be readily acknow'-
lecteed bv those, who, from the like adv'entures,
have reached in the evening a safe retreat. My
friend, who faithfully performed the tenourof his
promise, reprobated my insensibility of the pro-
vidential interposition that had been made in
our behalf. It was in vain to urge the merits
of internal prayer, or to assert, that I had al-
ready offered unfeigned thanks for our esscape,
which I trusted would not be the less acceptable
from the want of sugar. This being a doctrine
wholly repugnant to his creed, which existed
only in noisy and ostentatious ceremony, I drew
on myself a further severe reproach.

On the 5 th at Badpour-~-^seven[ cosses ; a po-
pulous village in the Nourpour district- About
two cosses to the eastward of Badpour, wc
crossed at the Rhay Ghaut, or Puttun *, in a
ferry-boat, the Byas Gungah, and came into the
Jumbo road, which in this quarter has nof; yet
experienced the depredation of the Sicques,

On the 6th, at Giingatau— ten cosscs. In
the p:iH.sage of a rivulet near this village, the
horse, in suddenly stopping to drink, threw me
headlong into the water, where, among the rest
of my chattels, a bill on Jiinibo was thoroughiy

; ' TOine ol a ferry m som,e parts of tlic Punjab.

mrstee’s travels. 2^5^

tlrenchecl : nor was tins the first injury it had
received.

Off the 7th, at Nourpour; the residence of
the chief of a district of the same name. This
town situate on the top of a hill, which is as-
cended by stone steps, has the ap]>earance of
opulence and industry. Towards the south-east
the eoutitry is open and of a pleasant aspect, to
which a winding stream of fine water gives ad-
ditional beauty. Mountains that have already
made my eyes ake, contract the view to the
west and north ; but these have their uses ; anti
having experienced an essential one, not to give
it a place would be ungenerous. The heat of
the .sun now growing intense, would have been,
severely felt, had not the wind which came from
the north-west, received a cool refreshing qua-
lity froiii the snows which on that quarter
eover the hills ; and had it not been for a like

favourable situation, the residence in the Bel-

laspour camp, the remembrance of which makes
ine shudder, might have proved fatal to us.

a. plain adjacent to the town of Nour-
pOat*, was encamped a 5 uniho kafilah, chiefly
the \|p*fojJerty of Sunassees and consigned to

. -Th c»»teMply;to4e ten^s «jf|Jiekdoctraie,

•otoht' to. renbiiiTce' or never'en^ge in the tiffalK ■ <>f the world, yet

andstates-

. . men. ^ ■; ■' . ; ■

jtorsteb’s tra^^els.

tlie Delhi market. From these people I learned
that the chief of Jonibo was much embarrassed
in his finances, from a destructive war he had
entered into with the Sicques ; that to' raise sup-
plies, he had levied a general contribution on
the inhabitants of' the city ; and that his ex-
actions had induced many of the principal mer-
chants to abandon the place. The Sunassees
had employed in their service two or three
Kashmirians, who are men of an universal oc-
cupation, and endowed with unwearied patience
and activity in the cause of gain. They told
me that I should incur a manifest risk in going
to Jumbo, at a time, when the appearance of
persons of any property, attracted the notice of
government : an in formation then more alarm-
ing, as my. business at Jumbo required a per-
sonal attendance. Whilst 1 am writing of Nour-
pour, it may not be superfluous to mention,
that a respectable merchant named Daud Khan,
a native of the Punjab, resides in that to wn. He
had lived many years at Jumbo, but having feh
the oppression of that government, he has taken
refuge in Nourpour, where he enjoys, with a
moderate security of property, the benefit of
a fine air, and a plentiful country ; and should
any of our countrymen come this way in the
I^labonictan character, they may Ire confidently

FOBSTER’s TEAVELS. g6S

assured of deriving conveniency, from an ac-
quaintance with Daud Khan.

On the Sth, halted. On the pth, at the vil-
lage of Bunguree— eight cosses. My servant,
from a cold and a constitutional weakness in his
breast, which he said had long afflicted him, was
this day scarcely able to walk. I am now fear-
ful that the burthen he was loaded with, was
too heavy a one, and lam also to accuse myself
of not alleviating its weight, by an exercise of
those offices of kindness, which the law of hu-
manity, as well as the usages of servitude, es-
pecially in the Asiatic world, obliges a master to
shew his servant, the more so if he is a good
one ; and to say that this follower of my for-
tunes was not a good servant, would be an un-
worthy attempt to exculpate, at the expence of
his character, my frequent neglect. But should
I ever be enabled to recompense his worth, the
act shall be classed among those of my b&t
deeds. I used to fortify my occasional dissa-
tisfaction at him, by enlarging too rigorously o»
the petulance of his temper ; but I hold' the
.reason no nor will it atone for
the comphnction I fe^^ recall to my

mind the many affeetionate services which the
hohesit fellow performed in the coursei of a la-
boriousjpurney..;;;''::;::.;-;,^^
i- HE districts on the north, are

S70

Forster’s teavels.

bounded bv the rivei’ Rawee; on the east by tijc
Chanibay * country; on the west by some small
Hindoo districts, lying at the head of the Pun-
jab, and by the river Byas; and on the south
by Huriepoar. The revenues of Noiirponr are
calculated at four lacks of rupees, and it would
seem that it enjoys a state of more interaal quiet,
is less molested by the Sicques, and governed
more equitably than any of the adjacent terri-
tories.

On the 10th, at Piassee— ten cosses : — a , small
Tillage , in the Bissouly district, About eight
miles to the north-west of Bunguree, and oppo-
site to the fort of Bissouly, crossed the Raweej',
w’hich is about one hundred and twenty yards in
breadth, and very rapid. In the^ ferry-boat
were tvt'o Sicques going to the fort,' of wliich, a
detachment they belonged to, had taken pos-
session, in consequence of being called in to the
assistance of, the Bissouly chief. Though this
be the invariable result of every connection made '
with tl’>e Sicques, the infattmted mountaineer!
never fail to seek their aid when engaged in
war. A botderiug chief had. invaded the
Bissouly districts, plundered the inhabitants,
and burned their villages, before any oppositiuji

■ A iBOtuilamous lerritory of large extent ' '

f ' TluAiW'ce is the CoiiiraMHmjtifo river, am! 'rims’ ncaiv "
lily of 'Lahore. ,

S’ORSTli:a''s TEAVELS. g7i

was made. The Sicques were called in to repel
the enemy, and defend the fort of Bissoul}' ;
but after performing tlie required service, they
became pleased with their new situation, and
refused to relinquish it.

A QUiefK progress through this country, and
avoiding the track of the Sicques, \?ere strongly,
though unnecessarily, recommended to us. The
boatman at the ferry of Eissouly, though a
brother Mahometan, made an exorbitant de-
mand of hire, which was considerably lessened
by the interference of the Sicque horsemen, Avho
saw the imposition, and had only to make
known their will to effect obedience. The
journey of this evening, solitary and dreary,
gave a wrong.bent to every spring of the ima-
gination, which sullenly refused to receive one
cheerful or pleasing idea. If such did begin to
shoot forth, the prospect of a deserted village, a
desolate country, immediately destroyed it, and
introduced in its stead, those pregnant witly the
liorrors and miseries of war, Great God ! that
' tire coinmon evils of life so abundantly heaped
OB qur heads, should not be felt as already tdo
grievous, without the wilful encounter of addi-
tional mischiefs! This 'propensity in the nitnte
of man, iiulicates a disposition at once destruc,

' tjvO;df the-'purposCs'-whjch he'secmsdcsigned, to\

27S

FOHSTBE’s TftAVfiiS.

execute, and disgraceful to the intellects he so
amply possesses.

An obliging house-keeper in the village of
Plassee, accommodated me this evening more
agreeably than I could have expected. His little
tenement was composed of material? that had re-
sisted the late conflagration of the country, and
he had, with his family, resumed the quiet posses*
sion of it. Seeing me oppressed and languid, from
the effects of a fever, which had seized me on
the road, he procured me abed, and gave me
.every nourishment which his house afforded.

Gn the llth, at the village of Buddoo — ten
cosses ; the residence of a petty chief, tributary
to Jumbo. This day an annual fair was held at
an adjacent hamlet, which being near pur roadj
we mixed with the nuhierons spectators of the
festival. The good humour and mirth accom-
panying this meeting, exhibited a strong con*
trast to the scene of yesterday, and described,
in lively colours, the various bounties which
flow from peace. Among the diversions of the
day^ I obseryed the wheel with boxes suspended
from its rim, of common use in the southern
parts of India, for whirling round those who are
d isposed to make such aerial Gwcuits. * More
than once have 1 taken my seat in of those
"Whirligigs, ■and.cah;,' assure':,'yc«i5 ■■that thepnter*,.

JS’OKS’rER’s TRJtTELS. g7S

taiiiment, though not of a sober kind, has its
pleasures ; and, yrhat is more than you can say
of many a pleasure, it sets you down where it
took you up. My servant did not arrive this
evening, and from having hitherto wholly relied,
on his services, I sustained a great inconve-
niency. But a Kashmirian family at Buddo,
on the score of an acquaintance with my com-
panion, in a certain degree relieved it, by giving
us a friendly reception, and a slender supper.

On the l2th at Mancote — eight cosses. A
chief depending on Jumbo resided at this
village, which stands on an eminence partially
skirted by a sjmall river. Here my troubles
branched out anew, and though not deserving a
rank in the list of misfortunes, involved me in
various difficulties. My Kashmirian associate
having by mistake proceeded beyond our place
of rendezvous, there was no one to prepare my
victuals, or to take care of the horse. Though
the Hindoos hold in abomination the perfor-
mance of any menial office for strangers, yet
the shop-keeper at Mancote, from whom I had.
purchased the necessaries of the day, afforded
me great assistance^ He gave me house-room,
a bed, , hnd also some of his household utensils,
for holding the horse’s corn, and my owh
vision.' ■ From att assocu^^^^^ wbo

had obviated my yariou# wants^ and had even

; YOn. , -V' ' ■ T ,, ;■

FdKSTER’s TKAVE13'.

rendered the journey a pleasant one, I was at
once deprived of all help. In the first place, I
cleaned and fed my horse, nor did he deserve
less at my hands ; for he was a good-tempered,
sure-footed, active animal. Had he not indeed
been thus qualified, he could not have supported
such fatigue, or have clambered over the steep-'
and rocky mountains that had hitherto stood in
his way. After this care, it was necessary to
remedy the state of my own wants, which be-
came urgent and clamorous, for I had not eaten
any thing that day.

Being told that a mendicant Seid* of
eminent sanctity resided in tie upper part of
the town, I presented myself to him, told my
story, and earnestly intreated his aid. I Had
imagined that the man who lived on public be-
nevolence, whose welfare in the world was pro-
moted by a common exercise of humanity, would
have cheerfully come forward to my succour, es-
pecial!/ as the request had no tendency to touch
his property. But 1 reckoned without my
host. Never did mitred priest in all the plepi-
tude of his power, rolling* amidst the pluralities
of henefice, regard a meagre curate with a
deeper contempt of eye, than did this haughty
descendant of Mahomet receive my supplication.
Simply setting forth, the loss of my serv^ant, and

* Tte descendants of Maliomct are so ckiiiOmmatetl.

S'obster’s travels.

§75

the inability to supply his place, I requested that
he would direct his people to prepare for me a
meal, the materials of which were all in readi-
ness. This language had no elFect on the Seid,
who confiding, I suppose, wholly in the efficacy
of faith, had exploded from his creed the doc-
trine of good works : or, considering perhaps
the trade of begging to be a monopoly of his
order, he wished to expel and discourage all in-
terlopers. After warmly expatiating on the dif-
ficulties that surrounded me, throwing in also
some strictures on his conductj he grumbled an
assent, but with an express proviso that I should
produce fire- wood. I could as easily have
brought him a bulse of diamonds as a stick, for
it was then dark, and indeed hunger and fatigue
had made me incapable of exertion. Turning
from him with indignation, I loudly reprohated
liis violation of what even the rudest Maho-
metans hold sacred, the rights of hospitality ; a
ready performance of which, he ought to know,
was earnestly enjoined, and that the Divine ven-
geance was peculiarly denouncesd against all
who transgress its law. This exclamation, de-
livered with heat, roused the attention of his
adherents, one of whom desiring me to be pa-
cified, proposed to adjust the embayrassment.
He carried me to the bouse of a singjihg girl,
whoj 'on learning the story of my wants, tucked

§76 JfOBSTER’s TRATELS.

lip her garment with a smiling alacrity, and
commenced the business of relieving them with-
out delay. It would have made your heart glad
to have seen this honest girl baking my bread
and boiling my peas, she did it with so good a
will ; frequently observing, that I had conferred
an honour upon her, and that the present ser-
vice was but a small ■ return for the many
favours she had received from those of my class.
Will not you judge the declaration of her re-
fusing all donation, an Eastern hyperbole r Yet
I affirm to. you that it is a genuine story, and
were Mancote at no further distance from
Lucknow, than Shieck Seray *, you might pro-
cure, from this honest girl, a testimony of its
truth.

Ok the 13th I aiTived at Mansir— eight
cosses. The country how became more open,
and the valleys better cultivated than any 1 have
seen to the westward of Bissouly, The journey
his day was pleasant, and what in my proceed-
tng was extraordinary, I did not deviate from
ithe road, though alone. In passing near an
encampment of beggars, (a merry troop they
were) they desired me to alight and take some
refreshment : the invitation was thankfully ac-
cepted, and I partbpk of a coarse but cordial

Forster’s travels. §77

meal, whicli was served up with frequent pro-
fessions of welcome. — Mansir is composed of a
few houses, standing on the margin of a beau-
tiful sheet of water, which is abundantly sup-
plied with fish; but being held a sacred or
royal property, they live unmolested. The
lands of Mansir were appropriated, by a former
chief of Jumbo, to the maintenance of certain
Byragees*, w'ho in this delicious spot seem to
enjoy every pleasure which men in India can
taste. But here I am checked and called upon
to crave your pardon, for these solitary sectaries
have precluded women from their society ; and to
say that any portion of life, however replete with
other gratifications, can yield a genuine pleasure
without women, is to suppose that our day could
be cheerful without the light of the sun. At
this village, the wife of a Mahometan oilirian
conducted my culinary business, but in a man-
ner far different from that of nay late musical
friend : she took most unwarrantable emolu-
ments out of an ill-dressed supper ; and her cat,
wbleh seemed to have a congenial temper, made
an attack oh my baggage at night, and carried
off the little stock of provisions which I had
prepared for the hekt day’s breakfast. ■

Lest my arrival at Jumbo should excite en-

: * A religious tribe of celibacy.

m

fORSXBR’s TRAVELS.

quiry, which from the disposition of the chief
might not be favourable, I denominated myself
an officer in the Jumbo service, travelling from
the army, which was then in the field, to the
city. The road this day leading in a south-
west* direction, was the most dreary one I had
ever seen, and became more so from the want of
a companion. On approaching so large a town
as Jumbo, I expected to have seen a moderately
populous country ; but the aspect was altoge-
ther the reverse. Many miles of the road lay
through a defile of sand, the sides of which
consist of lofty rocks, and near 1) perpendicular.
The predicament in which I then stood, gave a
gloomy cast to my thoughts, which naturally
adverted to that long'^established position, of
“ man being a sociable animal ;” the truth of
which, few are more convinced of than myself.
I did not dwell on the various uses inherent in the
principles of society, nor on the grander bene-
fits so extensively diffused by general compact ;
but was contented with viewing the lesser cour
veniences which it imparts, with reflecting on
the casual, bwt grateful enjoyments which men
receive from the most fluctuating intercourse.
What harmony, what good humour, are often

llie sotittien-iiBclination of'tHsday, '.'i^as’caiuisei, I apprelTieiicl|,
from' tJie, formation of^' some 'branoirof the mornitains.

§79

Forster’s travels.

seen circulating in a sweetmeat-shop, the
coffee-house of India! where all subjects,
except that of the ladies, are treated with
freedom ; not so eloquently perhaps, nor with
such refinement of language, as among the
politicians of an European capital, yet with
equal fervour and strength of voice. The fa-
vourite topic is war: there you may hear of
exploits performed by a single arm, at the re-
cital of which even Secunder * would have
grown pale, and Ruftum f himself trembled.
The pleasure of coinmunication, by which they
become the heroes of their o wn tale, is a keen
spur to the various class of adventurers, and
perhaps fewer men would encounter services of
hazard, were not a pleasure expected from their
recital.

On the side of the road, to my great joy, I
length discovered a family sitting on a nar-
row green spot, where, availing themselves of
the singular situation, they were grazing their
cattle. I sat myself down Without ceremony,
and was presented with w’hat I have often recol-
lected with pleasure, (for the heat of the <i|y
had made me very thirsty,) a cup of butter-
milk, The father tojd me that the pppressions

* The Asiatic iianic of Alexander the Great. ■
ir A hero icekteted ia the ardent kgo^sof

S80

iorstee’s travel*.

of his landlord had forced him to quit his
house, and he was then in quest of some se-
curer residence. On your side of India, acts
are doubtless committed, that tend to sully the
honour and impress an odium on the character
of our nation ; but they are, believe me, faint
specks when compared with the deeds of injus-
tice and rapacitj' practised in other Asiatic
countries. One of the family suffered much
pain from a lacerated finger ; and as all persons,
of my colour are in India denominated sur-
geons, wizards, and artiilery-men, I was called
upon to administer help, which I did gratis, to
their great satisfaction.

Towards the evening, I arrived at the
lower town of Jumbo, where seeing a retired
house at which I intended , to have sought ad-*
mission, I discovered a person who, about a
month before, travelled for some days in the
same party with me ; but being employed oh
some service of dispatch, he had left it. This
man being now the servant of a Kashmirian At
Jumbo; for whom I had brought a letter of in-
troduction, and Whose name I used to mention
in the course of the journey, destroyed my
scheme of privacy. He ran off as soon as he
had distinctly seen me, mid speedily returned
with his master, who would not , rest satisfied
until he had lodged, me in liis house, though

FOESTER’s TRAVEtS.

281

we were obliged to proceed thither in the midst
of a heavy raiu : it would be a tedious and flat
story, to detail the multiplied modes of the re-
spect of this Kashmirian for my person, which
he had never before seen ; or to enumerate his
painful, yet incessant attentions. Whatever
partiality I might entertain for my own merits,
I was necessarily impelled to see that his assi-
duity proceeded from a belief of the opulence, and
the wish of transacting the commercial business
of his guest. After he had gone through the
long routine of my extraordinary qualities and
accomplishments, of whose excellency he had
been advised by his correspondent at Lucknow,
he congratulated my singular good fortune in
having met him, so early on my arrival ; for^
except himself, I should not have found an,
honest man in Jumbo. Such, my friendy is
the effervescence of Oriental speech, \y:hich if
exposed to the colder air of the north, wopid
subside into that strain of language spoken every
diy in Change- Alley and Cheapside. It was best
not to undeceive my Kashmirian, as the character
of a merchant is more respected here than any
other, and under which the least suspicion is
entertained of a stranger. On presenting my
bill to tbe banker -at Jumbo, I found, from its
having been twice drenched in wat^^^ that
the folds adhered together as firmly as if

fOESTER’s TRAVERS,

they had been pasted. The banker* with
much good-nature, soaking the paper in water,
and opening the folds with care, was enabled
to read, though with difficulty, the contents.
Had he been disposed to protract the payment,
there was sufficient causey but holding out no
demur, he at once said the bill was a good one,
kindly observing also, that as my journey had
been long and fatiguing, I should have brought
an order for a larger sum.

'Jumbo is situated on the side of a hill, and
contains two distinct divisions, which are termed
the upper |nd the lower towns. The bottom
of the hill is washed by the river Rawcet,
about forty or fifty yards broad, and fordable
at most seasons of the year. Many water^^m ills
stand on its banks for grinding corn, which are
constructed in a neater manner than any I have
seen in India; and w'ere introduced by the
Kashmirians, who have greatly improved as
well as enriched this town, The short stay at
Jumbo prevented me from procuring much sa-
tisfactory information of its history, or the
causes which have produced its important com-
merce, riches, and luxury: for Jumbo, even in

^ * His name is Jiiala Naut, the nephew of Kasbmiry MuH, at
leiBares.

^ ft falls into the CMnnann. ' ■ '

'* pokstee’s travels. gSS

its decayed state, is a mart of the first note in
this quarter of the country. Perhaps the col-
lection of such materials would not have com-
peusaied the labour of perusal, or alforded you
that instruction which I ever wish to be the
effect of my communications: — but such as I
have procured, shall be genuinely laid before
you.

Peeviously to Nadir Shall ’s invasion of
India, tlie conunou road from Delhi to Kasli-
niire, lay through Sirhend, Lahore, and Heer-
pour, the pass of which is fully described by
Mr. Bernier, under the name of Bember. Since
the inroad of the Persians, Afghans, and the
Marhattas, but especially since the period of the
Sicque conquests, that traek has been rendered
unsafe to merchants, and is now disused. This
pbstruption diverted the Kashmirian trade into
the channel of Jumbo, which being shut up
from the Punjab by a strong chain of moun-
tains, difficult of access to cavalry, it has been
preferred to the Lahore road, though the journey
is tedious, and the expenses of merchaudize
increased. '■ '■ ;

liuNZEiO Deve, the father of the present
chief of Jumbo, who deservedly acquired the
character of a just and w;ise^fuier, largely con-
tributed to the wealtHaud importance of Jumbo.
Perceiving the bepefits irhich would arise front

284

yORSTEE’* TRAVELS.

tlie residence of Mahometan merchants, he held
out to them many encouragements, and observed
towards them a disinterested and an honourable
conduct. Negative virtues only are expected
from an Asiatic despot, and under such a sanc-^
tion his subjects might deem themselves fortu^
nate ; but the chief of Jumbo went farther than
the forbearance of injuries ; he avowedly pro-
tected and indulged his people, particularly the
Mahometans, to whom he allotted a certain,
quarter of the town, which was thence denomi-
nated Moghulpour ; and that no reserve might
appear in his treatment of them, a mosque was
erected in the new colony; a liberality of dis-
position the inore conspicuous, and conferring
the greater honour bn his jmemory, as it is the
only instance of the like toleration in this part
of India, and as the Kashmirians, who chiefly
composed his Mahometan subjects, have been,
since their conversion, rigorous persecutors of
the Hindoos. He was so desirous also of acqui-
ring their confidence and esteem, that when he
has been? riding through their quarter during
the* time of prayer, he never failed to stop his
horse until the priest had concluded his ritual
exclamatjions. Tha Hindoos ence complained
to this chief, that the public wells of the town
were defiled by the vessels' bf the Mahotnetans,
■■anjd;-'d#:ircd':' that 'they '-'might ''be'' restricted' to . the

S85

sokster’s tbavels.

water of the river; but he abruptly dismissed
the complaint, saying, that water was a pure
element, designed for the general use of man-
kind, and could not be polluted by the touch
of any class of people. An administration so
munificent and judicious, at the same time that
it enforced the respect of his own subjects,
made Jumbo a place of extensive commercial
resort, where all descriptions of men experi-
enced, in their persons and property, a full
security.

The articles of merchandize constituting the
trade of Jumbo, and Kash mire, are transported
by men, usually Kashmirians, whose burthens;
ai’c heavy, two of them making the load of a
strong mule, and the hire is fixed at the rate of
four rupees for each carrier. The shawls, when
exported from Kasliraire, are packed in ah
oblong bale, containing a certain weight or
quantity, which in the language of the country
is termed a the outward covering of

which is a buffalo’s or ox’s hide, strongly sewed
with leather thongs. As these packages are
supposed to amount, with little variation, to
a value long since ascertained, they are sel-
dom opened until conveyed to the-destineh
market. A Kashmi rian porter ; carries a Ihad as
a soldier does his knapsack, and wh^ disposed
to rest, he places under it a .sticks

ggg ■ FOESTER’S TilAVEES.

of a crutch which supports the load and assists
him also in walking. Two causes are assigned
for employing men only in this service: an
agreement, it is said, arising from a mutual
jealousy, has been made between the chiefs
bordering on either side of the river Chinnaun*,
that no. tixecl bridge shall be constructed, or
any boat stationed on that stream. The other
cause ascribed, which seems to be more forcible,
is the stupv-indous height and steepness of the
intervening mountains, which renders the pas-
sages dangerous, if not wholly impracticable,
to either a horse or mule.

It appears that Jumbo continued to increase
its power and commerce until the year 1770,
the period of Runzeid Deye’s death; when one
of his sons, the present chief, contrary to the
intention and express will of his father, seized
on tlie government, put to death one of his
brothers, the intended successor, and imprisoned
another ; who having made his escape, sought
the protection of the Sicques. Pleased in having
obtained so favourable a pretext for entering
Jumbo, which they attempted in vain during
the administration of Runzeid Deve, the Sicques
promised to espouse the fugitive’s cause with
vigour. Ji, small sug) had been annually cx-

.Punjab h^r.frcw.jiie' eastw'ljrdi..' ^

JO ester’s tratsls. . g§T

acted by them from Jumbo, but in a much less
proportion than what was levied in the adjacent
territories. The Sicques, indeed, aware of the
respectable state of the Jumbo force, and the
ability of the chief, were contented with the
name of tribute. The most valuable division
of the Jumbo districts, lay in the plain country,
forming part of the Northern Punjab ; which,
under pretence of affording assistance to the
person who lately sought their protection, a
body of Sicques have laid waste. They are now
prosecuting a vigorous war ag'ainst the present
chief, who, through the defection of many of his
people, driven by oppressions to the party of his
brother, became unable to make any effectual
stand ; and that his ill fortune might be com-
plete, he called into his aid, a party of Sicque
mercenaries, commanded by Mhah Sing, a pow-
erful officer in that quarter, who has firmly
established his authority at Jumbo, and ^ has
erected a fort at the,s6uth entrance of the prin-
cipal pass leading into the Punjab. For de-
fraying the expence incurred by the Sicque
troops, the Jumbo chief has made rigorous de-
mands on the native inhabitants of the city,
and is now throwing an eye on the fijreign mer-
chants; who, dreading his disposition and
» necessities, haye taken a general alarm. It was
with inuch pleasure I saw the person on whoa*

sss

FOESTEU’S TRilYELS.

my bill was drawn, a man of a fair and honour-
able character, enjoying, amidst these disorders,
a moderate security. He seemed to have pro-
cured the favour of Mhah Sing, who, with other
officers of the party, supported him against the
designs of the Rajah. The person entrusted
with the government of the town of Jumbo,
during the absence of the chief then in the
held, was so exact a counterpart of his master
in the system of oppression, that I was advised
to a speedy departure, lest I should fall under
an inspection. Though much fatigued by an
harassing journej^ and the sale of my horse,
with other necessary concerns, was to be ad-
justed, such was the ascendancy of my fears,
that on the Idth of the month, I was ready to
proceed. ■'

In laying before you these scattered pieces
of intelligence, I must not forget to notice,
that the courtesans and female dancers of the
Punjab and Kashroire, ol rather a mixed breed
of both these countHes,* are beautiful women,
and are helci in great estimation through ail the
Northern parts of India : the merchants esta-
blished at Jumbd, ^ often become so fondly
attached to a dancing * girl,
their ■^occupation,-- they/' have ■■ been ;;''khdwii;;:To:
'dissipate, at'//]ier''''-tvill|r...'thC'''\vkbt©'' of their-pr©-,'
yllly ~ ' aftd^'J;'vbave-'/see6//adme- ‘tliem'':tcduced;

FORSTEH’s TSAVEIiS.

m

to a subsistence on charity ; for these girls, in
the manner of their profession, are profuse and
rapacious*

Mr Kashmirian host, who continued to op-
press me with kindness, had a brother living in
the same house, who was so much afflicted with
the rheumatism, that he could not stir out of
his room. Possessing much useful information,
with a pleasant sociable temper, I was glad to
be admitted to his conversation, which equally
amused me, and contributed to a knowledge of
this quarter of India. He gave me also some di-
rections for my conduct in Kashmire, which were
deliveredwith an air of candour, and so apparently
void of design, that I should have been ridicu-
lously sceptical in not giving them credit. The
day 1 left Jumbo, he called me into his room,
and in very afFectioDate language, said, “ My
“ friend, you are now about visiting a country,
“ whose inhabitants are of a cbaracter different
“ from any you have hitberto seen, and it be-
“ hoves you to be wary and diligent, for tbey
“are a subtle and keep people. You must
“ particularly be on your guard against my
“ brother, who is now in that couHtfy, and
“ will probably endeavour to borr|p^ sofne of
* ‘ your, money. Steadily withstand lfe'*"'solici-
“ tatidns, nor lend him a rupee j for if you do,
“ the jfhpney is lost. Make yqpr disbursements

290

rOESXEB’s TEAVEI.S.

“ only on the delivery of the goods, and, how>
“ ever urgent he is, do not make any advance. ”
He displayed, I thought, a singular trait of
honesty in giving an advice wholly divested of
a tendency to promote the interests of his family,
at the expence of fair dealing.

Though the districts of Buddoo and China-
nah * do not at this day form immediate ap-
pendages of Jumbo, they are so intimately
dependent on its policy, that, to avoid prolixity,
I will throw their limits into one description.
This united territory is bounded on the north
by the river Chinaun, which divides it from
Kishtewer; on the east by independent Hindoo
districts ; on the south by Bissouly ; and on the
west by the Punjab^ It would be hazarding
too hasty ah assertion to offer any specific cal-
culation of the Jumbo revenue, as the larger
moiety is proddced by import and export duties,
which are now in a fluctuating state, and have
been diminishing since the accession of the
present chief ; but the current inforrnation of
the Country, states the ordinary receipt at five
lacks of rupees, exclusive of the produce of
Buddoo and Chi nan ah.

' Tam,. .'Dear Sir,..

... ^ - 'v''' :\'",Ypursj;'d£e.

r'';' 'tfe

JOHStEa’s THAVEIS.

291

LETTER XL

tlEAn Sin, ,

T. HE frequent introduction of
the Sicques to your notice, will Have naturally
excited a desire to examine the Jiistory of this
new and extraordinary people, who, within a
period of twenty years, have conquered a tract
of countrj’-, extending in certain directions
from the Ganges to the Indus, My knowledge
of the subject does not permit me to deduce,
on substantial authority, their history from the
period in which Nanock their first institutor
and law-giver lived, or mark with an order of
dates the progress which this people have made,
and the varying gradations of their power,
until their attainment of their present state of
national importance. You who are apprised of ..
the futility of the documents which compoie
the general texture of Eastern record*, who have

V ' * geniufs'of the, people ^nor; the font! of! thek^ govern-""'

k feyoomhle to,; the ^^owth 'of 'history,' whidh'is r#elj seen''
toJoHrishoa'4t^otic actiaw: :of Asiatic

forstee’s travels.

witnessed the irresistible tendency of an Asiatic
anind to fiction, and the produce of its ductile
fancy, will grant me an indulgent scope, and
will, I trust, believe, that though the body of
the history be not complete, such parts only
will be noticed, as are either founded on re-
ceived tradition, or on those legends which
have the least exceptionable claims to credit
Under shelter of this preliminary, I will
proceed to inform you that Nanock*, the
founder of the Sicque nation, was born in the
year of the Christian aera 1460, during the
reign of Sultan Beloul f, at the village of Tul-

tisiially recorded by their own scribes; and we know that a large
portion of the aiinals of India was manufactured under Imperial
inspection. It is, therefore, scarcely within tlie -verge of probability,
that a writer, attracted by so powerful an inflaeiice, woiild have
dared to have thrown the piercing light of history on the reigning
monarch, or even to have examined with freedom the actions of lus
ancestors, who have, for more than tw^o hundred years, maintajne<l
an' unbroken succession of the empire of Ilindostaii, Oriental
.'■speech, 'pregnant with figure, - and'' capable' of expressing the ■wildest
flights of fancy, 'disdains the' limits of history.' ,It; is better to
"modulate' 'poetic strai^ns, and describe the wide region of romance ;

■ where it can mm without restraint, anct happily, without the powei*'
of coinniitting exteiMveinjuries.

' Hewas or,secondcastdfH{n:dd<w^

Jug, to a secret belief of the 'S.itxiues, a speclw of ■''secondary Incar-*^
nation of the Supreme 'Deity. '. '/:■ ^

' ,, A Patan King '' of; Oelh.l, who',:reigncd' previous ' to,

'' eonqufe^ of Hintetam .'x, .

fohster's travels.

m

■wundy*5 about sixty miles to the westward
of Lahore. Naaock appears to have possessed
qualities happily adapted to effect the institution
of a new system of religion. He was inflexibly
just ; he enjoyed from nature a commanding
elocution, and was endowed with a calm passive
fortitude, which successfully supported him
through the long course of a dangerous occupa-
tion. The tenets of Nanock forbid the worship
of images, and ordain that the places of public
prayer shall be of plain construction, and devoid
of every exhibition of figure. A book, intitled
the which contains the civil and re-

ligious institutes of Nanock, is the only typical
object which the Sicques have admitted into
their places, of worshi p. Instead of the inter-
mediation of subordinate deities, they are di-
rected to address their prayer to one God, who,
without the aid of any delegate, is to be consi-
dered the unassociated Ruler of the universe f.

' * ' Tiiis Tillage is new ;known By the /name of ■ TBe

terms given by tlie Sidques to Ibeir places of worship, are SungJmiy
Dmmsaikh, md Dainths words signifying, in the' Hindiiee, an ^
assembiy of ; the 'people, a charitable , or', pious .foujidation, and" 'a
house. This last appellation seems to be^ , applied in ,an.' eminent
^ sense, as ^^ihe'hous,<;\’’ ,, ,Thc Sicqae$|; m ,conimemor,atip9,^''of the
.place. :of^Nanock^s/ birth, ^ hfv erepted 'an, edific.e, 'af ;TnlW;npdy, ,
where a, grand festlyalis aunuaHy*'ce,}eb!rat;ed^

: ^ When. ;it'is^ ' noticed, that 'the of 'the .'Hindoos , k loaded' ^

with a.ina^s. of ptierilc ccremopy, aMpftentim#odhdnc^^^

rORSTE.s’s TRAVELS.

294

Though many essential differences exist between
the religious code of the Hindoos and that of
the Sicques, a larg-e space of their ground-work
exhibits strong featux’es of similarity. The
article indeed of the admission of proselytes
amongst the Sicques, has caused an essential
deviation from the Hindoo system, and appa-
rently levelled those barriers \vhich were con-
structed by Brimba, for the arrangement of the
different ranks and professions of his people.
Yet this indiscriminate admission, by the
qualifications which have been adopted, do
not widely infringe on the customs and pre-
judices of those Hindoos who have embraced
the faith of the Sicques. They still preserve
the distinctions which originally marked their
sects, and perform many of the ancient ce-
remonies of their nation. They form matri-
monial connections . only in their own tribes,
and adhere implicitly to the rules prescribed
by the Hindoo law, in the choice and pre-
paration of their food. The only aliment
used in common, by the Sicques at this day,

ridiculous , grimsce, ;i:t will not seenv surprising that ,a creed,..:
founded oh principles' calculated to promote the establislimcht of*
simple uniform religion,: and .promulgated by a man of dW»g!!i»fted:
triW and exemplary manners, should draw to it prijsoly.tes even .jw ■
,'tfee ..bigoted regions^ of India,' -

ronSTEH’s TRAVELS.

£93

is the pursaiid *, or sacred bread, from the par-
ticipation of which no tribe or class of their
people is excluded.

Few events of historical importance are re-
lated of Nanock, the founder of this sect; who
possessing neither territory nor wealth, nor
aided by the force of arms, preached his doc-
trine in peace, and manifested, in the countries
which he visited, an unaffected simplicity of
manners. He journeyed through most of the
kingdoms in India, fronv whence, according to
the tradition of the Sicques, he went into Per-
sia and Arabia. In his travels, which with
short intervals continued for the space of fifteen
years, he was attended by a Mahometan mnsi*
cian, named Murdana, who became his convert,
and ever remained faithfully attached to his
person. It is said that in one of the expedi-
tions of Baber t iuto India, hTanock having
been apprehended by some of the soldiers, was
brought before that prince, who, informed of
the sanctity of his character, treated him with
• respect and indulgence. As no records of the

'Vk^'fuTsaud is said to , be ' a ■ composition of floor,, ' 'biitter> and
certain, spIces^ I this bread, 'after being consecrated, by the Brainins^
'is ' al^o, , nsed by some ■,sects_ of 'Hindoos in th'e ceremony, of, adminis-
terlng^'an ,bath, particularly, .in that 'quarter \of the,: O.riss, a province,'
eontlghotiS' to the tempk;'bf Jnggnd ,Nantt' ^ ^ ^ ', ''

>[•:, Baber defeated the 'Fatan King 'of

296

FORSTEft’s TRAVELS.

Moghul Empire bear a testimony of the exis-
tence of this sect during the period in which
Nanock lived, it cannot be supposed that his
converts were numerous or powerful. Nanock,
according' to the Sicque recoi’ds, died in the
month of August, A. D. 1539, aged seventy
years, at Elayrah, a village on the banks of the.
Rawee, about forty miles to the northward of
Lahore, where a vast concourse of people an-
nually assenrble, to perform certain ceremonies
in commemoration of the day of his decease.
Nanock, though he had two sons, devolved the
charge of the mission to his favourite disciple
Anghut*, a Hindoo of the Chittery tribe, to
whom he also entrusted the publicationf of the
laws and precepts of his doctrine. Anghut,
who seems to have passed his time in retirement,
died about the year 1542, at the town of Kha-
dour the place of his nativity. He was suc-
ceeded by Amraerdass, a native of the Lahore
district, who propagated the new doctrine

Nanocjc changed the priginal name 'of his successor, which
; was Lina. ^ ' " ' ' ^ ,

f ■ The religious aiicrhhtprJcal writings of the Sicques,, are written
ln> 'character caUeS QaoroQ Mhooktt, /or the language of thcf
.or 'priests. ' ''This ; letter# .which' is said'io^ have' heeit in-'
yented-hy Nanock, differs, from the yafious characters la use a,mong
The 'Hindoos. '

, I village hi'. the ' Punjabi about forty; miles to "the casiw^cl of,

'Lahore^'-.'',;, / ; .. '-''v'' ' " '' ^ ''

JOESTEft’s TRAVELS.

207

without molestation, and died in the jxar 157^,
at the village of Govindual*. Ramclasst,
had espoused the daughter of the last preceptor
of the Sicques, was then chosen the representa-
tive of their sect. This priest lived in the reign,
of Acbar, and, according to the tradition of
the Sicques, experiencetl some marks of that
emperor’s favour. Retiring in the latter part
of his life to a small district J in the vicinity of
Lahore, which Acbar had granted to him, he
founded the town of Rantdasspour. He repair-
ed also and ornamented a reservoir of water,
which had in ancient times been dedicated at
that place by the Hindoos to their God Ram,
and to which he now gave the name of Amrut
Sir ^r Raradass made a compilation of the his-
tory and precepts of his predecessors, ‘ and an-
nexing his own commentaries, ordained that Ms
disciples should form the pTinciples of their
faith on the doctrine set forth in the j.oia||;col-
lection. Ramdass died at the town he had
founded, about the year 1581, and was succeed-
ed by bis son Arjun, who having incurred the

^ 'Situate' m tlie Byas^' the second ' Punjab 'rivet' from the '

Gootoo 'w.as'bornjii.tlje city of Lahore# , 'T-'

,At theriistattce of twenty-fonrmilesfrom''lahore.

accordiBg'tothemythblogy-of 'the ilmdo'os^ Js'a'water'
>raidto b''est0tv hBinortailtyon;those who ,drinfcit'''; ' iU'cer-^

tal^l;4iakcfcs'^of dhe Ilinduee^' sigmbfs b j^'iece;^

298

fokster’s travels.

displeasure of a Hindoo* favoured by Jelian-
guir, was committed by that prince to the per-
secution of his enemy; and his death, which
happened in the year ]606, at Lahore, was
caused, it is said, by the rigour of confinement.
The succession devolved on Hurrgovind, his
only son, who, actuated by revenge for the cruel-
ties exercised on his father, and strongly sup-
ported by the enthusiastic valour of his adhe-
rents, dragged the Hindoo from his house*
though within the walls of Lahore, and put him
to death. Fearing the effects of the emperor’s
displeasure, Hurrgovind fled to Hurtarpour, a
village founded by his father, where he collect-
ed an armed body for the defence of his person,
and according to the records of the nation, de-
feated a force that Jehangnir had sent to finish
Ms rebellion. But the vein of incongruous
story which runs through the achievements of
this ipiHtant priest, precludes the derivation of
any extensive historical use. The only passage
deserving a serious notice, represents, - that an
officer of dehanguir, named Mahobut Khan,
effected the Sicque’s submission to the emperor,'
who ordered him to be imprisoned in the fort of
Gualior : but that after a short confinement, he
was, at the iatercessipn of Mahob set

FOUSTER’s THAVEtS.

2SS

at liberty. It is not seen that Hurrgovind dis-
turbed the peace of the Moghul go verninent at
a future period, but passing his days in a recluse
manner, he died about the year 1644, at Khy-
rutpour, a village in the Punjab. The Sicques
conferred the office of priesthood on Harray,
the grandson of Hurrgovind, though four of
their late preceptor’s sons were alive. No other
mention is made of Harray, than that he died
in the year 1661 at Khyrutpour. At his death,
a violent contest arose for the succession, which
was claimed by the respective adherents of his
two sons, Ram roy and Hurkishen, theii in in-
fancy; but not being enabled toadjust their claims
at home, they appealed to. the courts of law at
Delhi, where the opponents appeared, and set
forth their several pretensions. The cause it is
said terminated in a permission being granted to
the Sicques to nomiiilte their own priest ; when,
adjusting the contest, they elected Hurkishen,
who died at Delhi in 1664, a short time after
his investiture.

H 0 EK I SH E sr was succeeded by Talgh Bha-
hauder, his uncle, who appeal's to have been
persecuted with inveterate animosity by the ad-
herents, of Ramfoy ; who being supported by
some persons of influence at the'dduft of Au-
rungzebej an order was obffiihed for the hnpri-
sontoeiit of the new priest. , Bhahauder,

ronSTEIi’s TRAVELS.

3Q0

after remaining in confinement at Delhi for the
space of two years, was released at the intreaty
of Jay Sing, the powerful chief of Jaynaghur^
who was at that time proceeding to Bengal on
the service of government. The Sicque ac-
companied his patron to Bengal, whence he re-
turned to the city of Patna, wliich became his
usual place of abode. The records of the Sicques
say that Ramroy still maintained a claim to the
priesthood, and that after a long series of viru-
lent persecution, he accomplished the destruc-
tion of Taigh Bhahauder, who was conveyed
to Delhi by an order of court, and in the
year 1675 j publicly put to death. The formal
execution of a person, against whom, the
Sic<|ues say, ,no criminal charge was exhibited,
is so repugnant to the eharaeter and the actions
of Aurungzebe, that we are involuntarily led
to charge the Sicques of a wilful misrepresentation
of facts, injurious to the memory of the prince,
and extravagantly partial to the cause of their
priest. No document for the eluGidation of
this passage appearing in any of the memoirs of
Hindostan that have reached my knowledge, I
am prevented from diseovering the quality of
the crime which shbjected Taigh Bhahaudei:' to
capital pnnishment.^^^^^ ^ ^ ^

Govind Siko, then a youth, and the only
son qf Taigh Bhahauder, Ayas called to tire sue-

roUSTEU’s TRATEtS. SOI

cession by the largest portion of the Sicque’s dis-
cipies ; but the intelligence of his father’s death,
and dread of alike fate, had induced him
to fly from Patna, whence he retired, after a
series of various adventures, into the territorry of
Siringnaghur. Though Govind Sing could not
then have reached his fifteenth year, he evinced
many marks of a haughty and turbulent spirit,
which was conspicuously shewn in his conduct
to the Siringnaghur chief. On pretence of an
insult being offered, he collected his party,
which amounted, it is said, to four or five thou-
saird men, and defeated a body of the Siringna-
ghur troops ; but being worsted in some future
action, or, according to the authority of the
Sicque, obliged by an order of the emperor to
leave the country of Siringnaghur, he proceeded
with his adherents to the Punjab, where he was
hospitably * received by a marauding Hindoo
chief of that quarter. Endowed with an active
and daring temper, the Sicque assisted his
new associate in various expeditions against
the bordering landholders, and often in oppo-
’ sing the forces of government. The predatory
conduct of Govind Sing rendering him obnox-
ious to the governor of Sirhend, he was attacked

; ' ■ M thmiigM: wMcliilie riverSut-

riifis, were: given fey 'this Hiadoo tfe' uSlng, where; fee..

yORSTER’'s TSAVEliS,

SOf

and driven from his place of residence. Being
afterwards discovered amongst the hills in the
northern parts of the Sirhend districts* he was
so vigourously pressed by the imperial troops,
that, abandoning his family and effects, he was
compelled to save himself by speedy flight
Vizier Khan, the governor of Sirhend, sullied the
reputation he had acquired in this service, by
putting to death, in cold blood, the two
younger sons of Goyind Sing. A severe ven-
geance was taken for this act at a future period
by the Sicqiies, who, giving a loose to savage
and indisGiiminate cruelty, massacred the Ma-
hometans, of every age and sex, that fell into
their hands. After his late disaster, Govind
Sing found a .‘jecu re retreat in the tacky Jun-
gles which its natural defence; a scarcity of
water, and the valour of its inhabitants^, had
rendered at that day impregnable. But when
the resentment of government abated, he re-
turned without molestation to his former resi-
dence in the Punjab. The Sicqoes say, he even
received marks of favour from Bbahauder Shah,
who, being apprised ofhis military abilities, gave
him a charge in the army which marched into
the Decan to oppose the rebcliion of BaiS-

' A woolly .iCOlintrj, situate m the iiortfi;erB 'part-of’llit
titd b;ret‘d i>f exceO-ieiathorseSjit T:awc*

FORSTEE’s TBAVEta.

303

^>uchsh*. Govind Sing was assassinated during
this expedition by a Patan soldier, and he died
of his wounds in 1708, at the town of Nan-
dere ti without leaving any male issue ; and a
tradition delivered to the Sicques, limiting their
priests to the number of ten, induced them to
appoint no successor to Govind Sing. A Sicque
disciple, named Bunda, who had attended Go-
vind Sing to the Decan, came, after the death of
his chief, into the Punjab ; where, claiming a
merit from his late connection, he raised a small
force, and in various desultory enterprises, esta-
blished the character of a brave but cruel soldier.
His successes at length drew to his standard the
whole body of the Sicque nation, which had now
widely deviated from the precepts of their foun-
der. A confidence in their strength, rendered
presumptuous by the absence of the emperor,
had made them rapacious and daring, and the
late persecutions, cruel and enthusiastic. Bun-
da, after dispersing the parties of the lesser Ma-
hometan chiefs, attacked the forces of Vizier
Khan, the governor of Sirhend, who fell in an
action that was fought with an obstinate valour,
but ended in the ^total defeat of the imperial
troops. The Sicques expressed an extmord inary

f situate the 10^^^

iHiles ■; h"'::

S04

fobster’s tratbjls.

joy at this victory, as it enabled them to satiate
their revenge for the death of the sons of Govind
Sing. The wife of Vizier Khan', with his chil-
dren, and a vast multitude of the inhabitants of
Sirhend, were destroyed with every species of
wild fury. The mosques were overthrown or
polluted, and the dead, torn out of their gra\‘es,
were exposed to the beasts of prey. A party of
Sicques had at the same time penetrated the
greater Duab, and seized on the town and cer-
tain djstricts of Saharanpour where they
slaughtered the inhabitants, or forcibly made
them converts to the new faith. Bunda, who
had rapidly acquired the possession of an exteur
sive territory, was now deserted by his good for-
tune. He had crossed the river Sutledge with
an intention of carrying his conquests to the
westward, but being encountered by Sheins
Khan, an imperial officer who commanded in
that quarter, he was repulsed with a great loss.
The fficque’s troops employed in the Duab expe-
ditidn, had evpn approached the vicinity of
Delhi, but they svere defeated by the forces of
the empire, and driven back to the districts
which still remained subject to Bunda.

Such was the situation of the Sicqueis when
Bhahauder Sliah finished the Decan camjJaign,
and returned in the year 17 10 to Hinciostan.

irORSTEa’s TRAVELS.

S05

Alarmed at the progress, and irritated at the
cruelties they had exercised, he marched towards
their stations with a determination to crush the
sect, and revenge the injuries that had been in-
flicted on the Mahometan religion. Sultan
Rouli Khan, one of his principal officers, advan-
ced with a division of the army, and encoun-
tering the Sicques on the plains of Sirhend, put
them to flight after a bloody conflict; -and a
party of the fugitives who had taken refuge with
Bunda, in a strong post, were made prisoners,
though not before their chief had escaped. The
Sicques who survived this disaster, though com-
pelled to disperse, and their chief to wander
about the country in disguise, were not conquer-
ed in the reign of Bhahauder Shah. The death *
of this prince impeded the success of an active
pursuit .which had been made after tbe van-
quished sectaries, on whose lives a price was set
in every part of the empire. Conformably to
the order of the last priest, the disciples of Na-
nock had permitted the growth of the hair of the
head and beard. An edict was therefore issued,
compelling the Hindoos of every tribe to cut off
their hair.

JehXndeb, SHAHf, who succeeded to the
empire; made a 'feeble effort to accqiqplish the

^ died about

I reigned only' a; ^ 'V, ^ ,

306

roKsxEa’s tkaveis.

extirpation of the Sicqiies : but his short reign
being involved in an alternate series of de-
bauchery, andtumuituous defence of his country
against the invasion of Furruck Sir ; this people
were encouraged to emerge from their conceal-
ment, and again take up the sword. In the reign
of Furruck Sir*, the Sicques, who had then col-
lected a large forcef, were vigorously attacked
by Abdul Sumet Khan, the governor of Lahore,
who gave them battle near the fort of Loghur:|;,
and gained a decisive victory. Those who es-
caped, took shelter with Bunda in Loghur, but
being closely invested, and reduced to extreme
distress from hunger, they surrendered at dis-
cretionj|. The captives were conveyed in tri-
umph to Delhi, where being exhibited in an
ignominious manner tb the inbabitants of the
city, they met a deserved fate, for their savage
and often unprovoked cruelties. Yet they met
it with an undaunted firmness, and died
amidst the wondering praise of the populace.

Having thus briefly related the origin of
the Sicques §, with a chroiiological notice of

^ iuirmck'Sir’sTeignxonthmed from^l712-3 to
f The S»icqile forces amoimted, it is 'said^ to caYaliy. '

, I Situate about one Bundted^ miles' to'tlie'norti^west o£ laliore-
'V event bappebeddbj
■ Tlife. Sicques affix.to ■their" pfpier iiam't the

'Signifying a lion in- the Sanscdtlan^a^e^' the, appe!lati|^;..# Sing

307

i'OKSTEs’s TRAVEtS.

their ten priests, and the issue of Banda’s at-
tempt to establish an independent dominion, I
will interrupt the historical narrative at this
period, by a summary description of certain
domestic ordinances established by Nanock
and his successors. The person desirous of be-
coming a member of the Sicque doctrine, is
conducted into the presence of five or more of
their people of any class or profession, assem-
bled for the occasion ; when one of them pours
into the hollow of his hand a little water,
which, being touched by the toe of the Sicques,
the proselyte swallows, previously repeating the
words — JVah* gooroojee ka khalsah, teak goo-
“ roojee ka futtahJ” After the performance of
this obligation, a cup filled with sherbet is in-
troduced, out of which he drinks five times,
and repeats at intervals the afore-mentioned
ejaculation. At the conclusipn of this cere-
mony, the convert is instructed in the use of
a prayer of great length, in which the religious,

belof^gs properly to the military order. Ibe civil body of the
.people^ artisans, merchants, and ali. the lower classes^ being deno-’'
minated ■'

^ .These ^worfe composed of the, Arabic and Hindbo iangnages, '
■convey benediction oii the ■' govenmvent of the'Sicqnds,. and^;pn
the memory '.of ■ their 'priests* 'The.Sicqnes .salute ''each .other . by ;
&e expression Wok Gooruo, .without any dndmation,, of the body,.

„ or motion of the^band* vThe government at -'and: their armies,

;,\:#ed€hbipinated'X/iu&

;■,:■■ /,V , ' ,

Forster’s travels.

SOS

moral, and political duties of a Sicque are set
forth, and the observance of them enjoined.

The first part of the initiation observed in
admitting a proselyte, denotes the equality of
the followers of Nanock, and is designed to
destroy that fabric of ceremony and form,
which the Hindoos are now taught to consider
as the essential principle of their religion ; but
the purpose of the Sicque priests in elevating
the new religion on this simple base, has been
but partially executed. The military Sicques
permit the hair of the head and beard to grow
long ; they usually fix an iron bracelet on the
left hand, and they are prohibited the use of to-
bacco. These regulations, which were pjrobably
instituted by their law-givers to distinguish them
from other nations, are now become duties of a
primary class, and seem almost to form the es-
sence of their creed *. By a law of Nanock,

This would appear to be an effect naturally produced in
the minds of the bulk of mankind, who eagerly hx their at-
tention and their affections on exterior objects ; which having been
tauglit to behoUl.' with sentinients of respect and /religions' en-
thusiasm, they become so strongly attached to them, tliat a portion
of temporal welfare, , with the 'hope of' future happiness, ^ seems
among many nations to depend' on" a rigorous observance of form..
A conspicuous example Of tins disposition' was evinced Jn the ' rage'
whicli the Russians 'manifested oU' being obliged by Peter ' to shave
their’ beards'/ The prince p'erhaps encountered’ less clanger’
cliffi’cuity iip giving ;a nCT'Tonn’ add; new/rnanners 'to the’’ empire, ' ,
than ’ih accomplishing' that change m.'tlie persons of Ws sub^e|ts^ ,

forstek’s travels.

309

widows are expressly forbidden to destroy them-
selves at the death of their husbands, and are
permitted to renew the ceremonies of marriage.
But so strong is yet the adherence of the
Sicques who have been converted from the
Hindoo tribes, to the ancient customs of their
country, that many of their women are seen as-
cending the funeral pile ; nor are they ever in-
duced to enter a second time into the connubial
state. The Sicques, after the manner of the
Hindoos, bury their dead ; and they oblige the
Mahometan converts to adopt the like usage.
They hold a lamentation for the death of any
person criminal, and equally unjust as to be
afflicted with grief at the payment of an equitable
debt, or the surrender of a trust. Their belief
of a future state seems to correspond in most of
its parts with the metempsychosis of the
Hindoos ; and as a sketch of that system has
been already given, any further explanation of
it is unnecessary.

The Sicque nation is composed of two dis-
tinct sects, or orders of people; those who com-
pose the most ancient one are denominated
Khmldmh*, and adhere, with little .deviationj
to the institutions of Nanock, and the eight
succeeding priests ; in obedience to which, the

^ 'Khmlmah con'veys 'virtually tBe same Arabic

SIO

IfOBSXEll’s TUAVELS.

Khualasah sect are usually occupied iu civil and
domestic duties. They cut otF the hair of their
heads and beirds, and in their manners and ap-
pearance resemble the ordinary classes of the
Hindoos ■

The modern order of the Sicques, intitled
Khalsa, was founded by Govind Sing; who, de-
viating from the ordinances of his predecessors,
imparted a strong military spirit to his adhe-
rents, whose zealous attachment enabled hijn to
indulge the bent of a fierce and turbulent
temper, and to give scope to an ambition, natu-
rally arising from the pow'er which his popularity
created. Govind Sing is said to have restricted
his sectaries from the use of tobacco, and to have
enjoined them to permit the growth of the
heard, and the hair of the head. The military
division of the people is composed of the Khalsa
sect, which, from a native harshness of features
and haughtiness of deportment, is conspicuously
discriminated from that of the Khualasah, and
other classes of the foreign convei'ts.

To®- d:he space of seventy years after the
death of Nanbck, the growth of the Sicques
was sloM’, and tlieir conduct was regulated by a
temperate discretion. But when the Moghul
empire had received its mortal wound fi’Ora the

jp I have been infproiedVttiat cpniiectipas are

■ occasionally formed between the,: Hiddftps, awd Ste^,ues.

FORSTER’S TRAVELS.

311

ccnntnotions wliicli arose amongst the sons and
the grandsons of Aurungzebe ; when it was no
longer guided by the skilful and vigorous hand
which had diffused wisdom and spirit through-
out its vast machine, the disciples of Nanock
issued into the field, and participated in the
varying fortunes of the day. The rebellions of
the distant pi’ovinces, and the factions and in-
trigues of the court, events which rapidly fol-
lowed the death of Aurungzebe, gave a pow-
erful aid to the exertions of the Sicques, who,
improving the favourable occasion, carried their
depredations, even in the reign of Bhahauder
Shah, to the environs of the capital. The situ-
ation • of the country where the doctrine of the
Sicques had been the most widely promulgated,
and where they first formed a military body,
contributed to augment their power, as well as
afford shelter against a superior force of their
enemies. On the skirts of forests and moun-
tains, impervious to cavalry, they enjoyed also
the benefits arising from the vicinity of an
opulent populous territory, which at once
afforded a store of converts and plunder.

The Sicqiie common-wealth acquired an
active strength from the spirit and valour of
Ennda, who had . inspired tbeiH with a >zeal,

= !n liie vicmlty^of the Pimjafe'' ^ -

SIS

Forster’s tratei^.

which rendered meritorious every act of cruelty
to the enemies of their faith, and gave their at-
tacks, until opposed by the collected force of
the empire, an irresistible impulse. The success
of this fierce adventurer, had allured to his
standard a numerous body of proselytes : some
to obtain a protection against the rapacity of
the Sicque government, others to take shelter
from the oppressions or jiist demands of the era-
pire ; whilst many embraced, the new doctrine,
from the hope of participating the plunder of
the Punjab. The larger portion of the converts
were of the tribe of Jatts * and Goojers ; a
people who are chiefly seen in the northern parts
of India. They are esteemed skilful and active
husbandmen, but notorious for a turbulent and
restless temper. .

The defeat and death of Bunda effected a
total destruction of the power of the Sicqiies,
and, ostensibly, an extirpation of their sect.
An edict was issued by Furruck Sir, -directing-
that every Sicque falling into the hands of his
oflScers, should, on a refusal of embracing the ’
Mahometan faith, be put to the sword. A va-
luable reward vras also given by the emperor,
for the head of every Sicque ; and such was the
keen spirit that animated the persecution, such

f The Khaisa Sicque? haye.iargely originated from these tribes, ■

FOnSTEK’s TSAVETjS. sis

the success of the exertions, that the name of a
Sicque no longer existed in the Moghul domi-
nion. Those who still adhered to the tenets of Na-
nock, either fled into the mountains at the head
of the Punjab, or cut off their hair, and exte-
riorly renounced the profession of their religion.

After a period of more than thirty years, the
spark that had lain concealed amongst the ruins
of the fabrick of Nanbck, burst forth, and pro-
duced a flame which hath never been extin-
guished. It is mentioned that the Sicque forces
appeared in arms at the period of Nadir Shah’s
returu from Delhi j when the Persian army,
incumbered with spoil, and regardless of order,
was attacked in the rear by detached predatory
parties of Sicque cavalry, who occasionally fell -
upon the baggage-guards, and acquired a large
plunder.- During the periods of tumult and
distress, which followed the Persian j', and the
first Afghan invasion, the Sicques emerged more
conspicuously from their places of concealment;
and collecting a numerous party of promiscuous
adventurers, they soon rose into military im-
portance. Even at the low ebb to which
Sicques had been reduced by the destruction of
their force, the death of their leader, and the
proscription of their sect, they hatl continued

. r ■ 'T t Fromfteyear.'rrsato J74®. '

314

FOBSTEll’s TRAVELS.

to resort secretly to Amrut Sir; and as the
attention of the empire became, at subsequent
periods, fixed on subjects that demanded an
undivided force, the Sicques were not molested
in visiting their favourite place of worship,
which gradually rose into the capital of their
narrow territory. Meer Munnoo *, the go~
vevnor of Lahore in the reign, of Ahmed Shah t>
alarmed at an increase of power, the evils of
which had been already manifested by the de-
vastations of the Sicques in his own country,
made a vigorous attack on them ; and it is
supposed tliat their force would then have been
annihilated, had not this people found stre-
nuous advocate in his rainistef Korali Mul, who
was himself of the Khualasah sect, and diverted
Meer Munnoo from reaping the full fruits of the
superiority he had gained.

Adina Beg KnAiir, an officer in the service
of Meer Munnoo, had been sent with an army
into the centre of the Sicq-ue districts, which he
overrun ; and, encountering their army some
time in the year 1749, had defeated it with
great slaughtefl;. A permanent accommodation

, ;* . The soil ;0fKuii:in;ier^ia3~Dei% the Vkier of Mahomet Shah*

; This, prince siicceedeid to;the;Emplre'iirl747*,an4 was deposed

ini75a. . ^

This actioiv was fought near the village of . Mackafaiil^ In the
\jiorthem districts '.of 'tJie ^

POESTES’S TEAVELS.

.315

was ultimately effected through the mediation of
Kofah Mul, between the Sicques and the gover-
nor of Lahore; who being engaged in operations
that led to more interesting olyects, the Sic-
ques were left at liberty to acquire strength, and
enlarge their territory, which extended from
the vicinity of Lahore, to the foot of the moun-
tains. Whilst Korah Mul liv’^ed, his influence
over the Sicques confined them to their own
limit, and restrained their depredations. But
the death of this officer, who was slain* in an
action fought with the Afghans, and the tumult
which arose at the decease of Munnoof, from
the* various competitors to the government of
Lahore, enabled the Sicques to fix the basis of
a power, which, though severely shaken at a
subsequent period, has raised them from a law.
less banditti to the rank of sovereigns of an ex-
tensive dominioni The charm which had so
powerfully operated in augmenting and con-
solidating the spacious empire of the Indian
Moghuls, and had in the eastern world pro-
claimed it invincible, was now broken ; and a
wide theatre was opened, in which eyery band
of bold adventurers had an ample scope to ex-
ercise their courage, and where the most alluring
. objects were held ottt to the grasp of ainbition

death «)fKoraiii/M,ul happened m the,; jeair 17Sh. '

^ Menioo died' the’ ^ v

foestee’s travels.

SIS

and avarice. The southern territories had been
dismembered from the empire ; and the Persians
and Afghans, the Marhattas and the Sicques,
had severally plundered and laid waste the nor-
thern provinces, and the capital.

After the death of Meer Munnoo, and a
rapid succession of fleeting governors, the go-
vernment of Lahore devolved on Adina Beg
Khan* ; and the court of Delhi, in opposition
to the arrangements of the Duranny Ahmed
Shah, who had annexed the Lahore province
to his dominion, avowedly supported the power
which Adina Beg had assumed in the Punjab.
The courage and military experience of this
officer found an active employment in curbing
the turbulent and rapacious spirit of the Sic-
ques: but aware of the advantages that w:ould
arise from a confederacy with a people whose
depredations, accompanied with every species
of rapine, could not be prevented without con-
tinued warhire, Adina Beg made an alliance
with the Sicques, founded on a scheme qf com-
bined hostilities against the Afghans, whose
territoriesf-he invited them to lay waste, with-
out requiring participation of the booty. Every

* The officer who defeated the Sicques at the battle ‘ofMackg-
■vaui, ^ V, , , ' ■ ' ' ,

f The Afghans were at that tiitte possessed of , a tract of country
reaching from the Chinnaun riv er to; the Indus. ’

forstee’s travels.

317

infringement of the compact being severely
resented by Aclina Beg, the Sicques were rarely
seen interrupting the peace of his government.

The court of Delhi, having by intrigue and
occasional military aids, zealously contributed
to promote the successes of the Lahore chief
Ahmed Shah brought an army in the year 1756
into India, to recover the possession of the
Punjab, and to punish Ghaze-ud-Dein, the
minister of Alumguir the Second, who had
assumed an absolute authority in the capital*
Adina Beg, an active supporter of the minister’s
interests, which were closely united with his
own, not having a sufficient force to meet
Ahmed Shah Duranny in the field, fled into the
adjacent mountains, where he remained in con-
cealment until the departure of the Afghan
prince to his northern dominions.

Isr the year 1757, or 1758, a numerous army
of Marhattas*, after subduing the adjacent
territory, arrived in the' city of Delhi, where
their chiefs assumed an absolute sway. Adina
Beg, aware of the benefits of an alliance with
the Marhattas, represented to their chiefs, that

' * ' They had ' bceO; mvited Into ^Hindpstan. by , Gha^ie-ud-Dem, ^ to
support m administration'' ■ whiph was detested by the' people, and
opposed' ,by ' a party at court* Had not the ^ arms of Ahmed ' Shah
' tiie/Duranny . pre’valied over, the . Marhattas atdhe battle ' of FatbL
db ;is.prpbable';' that the Mahometan 'power, would ha?e '' been
extl%u|siied/m;In5liay

S18

tOESfER’S TEAVEI.S.

the PunjaTi garrisons, weakened by the departure
of Ahnu’d Siuh, would fall an easy conquest to
their arras, which he offered to reinforce with
his party, and the influence he possessed in that
quarter. The \larhatta army moved without
delay into the Punjab, and, expelling the Af-
ghans frojn Sirheud and Lahore, reduced to
their power a tract of country that extended to
the river Jaylum*. National commotions cal-
ling the principal Marhatta olficers into the
Decan, they appointed Adina Beg Khan, who
bad largely promoted their success, the governor
of Lahore : but he died early in the following
year, at an advanced age, highly celebrated
in Upper India for liis military and political,
talents.''

The Sicques, awed by the superiqur potverof
the Marhattas, and fearful of incurring the re-
sentment of Adina .Beg, had not, during his
government, carried their depredations into the
low country. In the course of the several ex-
peditions which the Afghans made iiitb India
under Ahmed Shah, they were severely ha-
rassed by the Sicques, who cutoff many of their
detached parties j and evinced, in the various
schefnes of annoying the Afghans, an indWati-
gahle intrepidity. , w ^

Ahmeb Shah, having, In conjunction with

•* The fU'tH Punjab river from the cat!tw3rd._ v , ,

foesxeb’s travels.

319

the Mahometan chiefs of Hindostan, routed
the combined forces of the Hindoos at the bat-
tle of Pannifrett, in the beginning of the year
1761, and driven the Marhattas from the nor-
thern provinces, meditated a full revenge on the
Sicques ; who, during a small interval of his
absence, had, in the latter end of the same year,
seized on the largest division of the Lahore
province. Early in the year J 762, he entered
the Punjab, which he overran with a numerous
army, dispersing the Sicques, wherever they ap-
peared, and diffusing a general terror by the
havock which marked his invasion. The Af-
ghan soon became possessed of all the low coun-
try, and the Sicques, dismayed at his rapid suc-
cess, and the cruelties exercised by his fierce
soldiery, abandoned the plains, and sought a
shelter with their families in the skirts of the
mountains. A large party of Sicques had reti-
red towards the northern districts* of Sirhend,
which being more than an hundred miles distant
from Lahore, the station of the Afghan armj’,
they were 'not apprehensive of any immediate
attack. But the mofions and onset of Aihmed
Shah were equally rapid and dreadful. He fell
auddetily on this body in February 176i, imving
parched from Lahtqre in less than ttyo days, and

V '' filagW'Of 'GoojOTal "aiBd,B4fpoury;;;w^^ that’ liitie'

foester’s travels.

S2Q

cut to pieces, it is said, twenty-five thousand of
their cavalry. The Sicques, in their day of
success, having defiled and destroyed the
mosques and other sacred places of the Mahome-
tans, compelling also many of them to' embrace
the faith of Nanock, now felt the savage ven-
geance of their enemies. Amrut Sir was razetl
to the ground, and the sacred waters choked
up with its ruins. Pyramids were erected,
and covered with the heads of slaughtered
Sicques ; and it is mentioned, that Ahmed Shah
caused the walls of the principal mosques which
had been polluted by the Sicques, to be washed
with their blood, that the contamination might
be removed, and the ignominy offered to the
religion of Mahomet, expiated. Yet these
examples of ferocious rigour did not quell the
native courage of the Sicques, who still con-
tinued to issue from their fastnesses, to hover on
the rear of the Afghan armies, and to cut oW
their scattered parties.

Ahmed Sh A a, in the close of the year 176%
returned into Afghanistan, which, being com-
posed of provinces recently conquered or ac-
quired, and inhabited by a warlike fierce peq-
ple, demanded a vigilant personal atfentidn. A
body of his troops commanded by an officer of
distinguished rank, ha4 been stntione^^

Lahore :territory,^ and'’in' :|'wiite 'mmy

IJOaSTEa’s TBAVEIS.

321

strongly garrisoned. But soon after the march
of Ahmed Shah, theSicques were seen descend-
ing from their various holds on the Punjab?
which they rapidly laid waste, and after several
desultory acsions, in which the Afghans were
defeated, they besieged, and, what seems extra-
ordinary, they took the city of Lahore; where
wildly indulging the enmity that had never
ceased to inflame them against these severe
scourges of their nation, they committed vio-
lent outrages. The mosques that had been re-
built Or restored to use by the Mahometans,
were demolished with every mark of contempt
and indignation ; and the Afghans, in chains,
washed the foundations with the blood of hogs.
They were also compelled to excavate the re-
servoir at Amrut Sir, which in the preceding
year they had filled up. : The Sieques, however,
keenly" actuated by resentment, set a bound to
the impulse of revenge ; and though the Af-
ghan rnassacre and persecution must have been
deeply imprinted on their minds, they did not,
it. 19 said, destroy one prisoner in cold blood, i
.Tii* res00rds'";oip the Sieques'' give .O' relation' 'blF
a battle fought With the Afghans, previously to
the capture -of Xahore : -but as its- asSertfed issue,
do^s 'not correspond the series of success,
vtdiidh. conspiboou%’ih India acqompanied Uie
Afghan- 'anns, ox stand

3$^' PO.RST^.Jfl'S TBfA'VERS.

supported by apy collateral proof fcp which I,
have had access, I pm pec:^anly led to doubt
some part of the Sic,cj,ue’s reJatiop. This event
is said to have happened in October I7d2, when
tlie collected body of the Si,c,que nation, amount-
ing ,to sjjfty /thousand cavalry, had formed a
junctiop at the ruins of 7\.mrut Sir, for the pur-
pose of performing some appointed ceremony,
and ]ivbere they resplvcd, expecting the attack,,
to pledge their national existence op the event
of a battle. Ahwd Shah^ at that tipe en-”
caipped at Lahore, niarched with a strong force'
to Am rut Sir*, and ipnpe^iateJy engaged the
Sicpues p Avho, ronped by the fury of a desperate
Tfs^mgy, ip sight aisp pf the ground sacred tp-
/tl;^e,,fppp|||p. pf;:^eir,;: pe^lgipp, .whoae = njopp-

were then to combat, displayed, during a bloo-
dy (^pptpst, wljicjp lasted from the nmrning un-
til ipgiA^ ap |en|lr|3siastic ap5i fierce courage,

' : : .ff ' pre^iplt^tipp to:

Lahpm.,,.Tl|g^ie(}pef,,it|p^l§p wd, pupiicd the

enetpy to |h||..,pity,^ whiphf teipk #fter a

Mwng -.

made^lps escapp'j|e|f^e ■t||f,fiiprrcpderr crossed
.4pJ can,.

* Tills ^see is nbfftjt of

roESTER^S TBAVEta. 333

-army of Ahtned Shah had suffered some extra-
ordinary reductions, previously to the period in
which this occurrence* is said to ba^ve happened.
Without a further discussion of this clouded
fact, we will proceed to the common annals of
the day, where it is seen that the Duranny re-
turned into the Punjab, in the autumn of 1765 ;
when he retook Lahore, and again drove the
Sicques from the low countrj'. The successes
of this prince, though decided at the moment,
were not followed by either a benefit to himself
or to the country he conquered ; and could be
only traced by slaughter and rapine : for in the
course of the following year, during his short
absence, the Sicques ravaged the Punjab, ex-
pelled the Afghan garrisons, and pursued their
fortune with so vigorous a rapidity, thatdurihg
tb6yeant64, thdy had ovet-mA, ^ttdseifedd oh;
aii* feMth^y ds^hliihgfirbln flid herders

of the Indus, to the districts of Delhi

AhMim Shah, in the three followirig years,
totttinued to maintain a desultory war with the
Skques ; but p6ls6Mng no trelfitife in 'tndfa!
featldl htfeb thlf liffecte df'a remote residenlk
Ififom his hafcivd dtwriHidti,' ‘he must 'haye ‘id;
leh^h'shtdhfe'fi’bm the'difehulties of hbii|udrlh^

the

U ^ ’ ’ n] ts* s ‘

ofc fiw 4*7

334

FOiaSTEE’s TBAVEK.

plains, possessed impenetrable retreats in forests
and mountains; and, what was more dreadful
to their enemies, a.n invincible courage.

Aftee the year 1767j the period of his last
campaign in India, Ahmed Shah seems to have
wholly relinquished the design of subduing the
Punjab. The Sicques now became the rulers of
a large country, in every part of which they
established an undivided authority, and raised
in it the solid structure of a , religion, in the
propagation and defence of which, their perse-
vering valour merits no common applause.

Timus. Shah, the reigning prince of Afgha-
nistan, the son. of Ahmed Shah, had made war
on the Sicques with various success. During
the interval of his last carnpqign in India, .he
wrested frointhem the city,, a Imf diyrsian
of the province of Moultan ; which the Sicques,
contrary to the spirit of their national character,
evacuated, after a weak resistance. Tliis surfen-
der might on tbc iinst view be termed pus|}Iani-
pious, especially wben the inactive dispositiqa
of /Timur is considered ; but it seenis to have
been a natural consequence of their eternal divi-
sions, and the fears entertainefi by the body at
large, of the increase of individua.1 power. The
dominions of the , Sicques, whose limits are ever
in a state of fluctuation, was, in the year i7Sf,
bbimded on. the north by the chain of

FOltSTEH’s THAVEtS.

33?

tliat extend in an oblique Hue across the head oi
the Punjab ; on the east, by the possessions oi
the emperor and his officers, which reach toPan-
iiifrett and Kurrwaul; on the south-east, by the
Agra districts; on the south, by Moultan; and
on the west by the Indus, except where the
town and independencies of Attoch, and some
petty chiefships, are interspersed.

The Sicques have reduced the largest portion
of the territory of Zabitah Khan, leaving him
little more than tire fort of Ghous Ghur, with a.
very limited domain in its vicinity. This chief,
the degenerate son of Najeb-ud-Dowlah, has
made no vigorous effort in his defence ; but
thinking to soothe them, and divert their
encroachments, assumed the name of a Sicque,
and ostensibly, it is said, became a convert to
the faith of Nanock*. It is not seen that he
derived any benefit from his apostacy ; for at the
period of my journey through the Duab, the
Sicques were invading his fort, and he was
reduced to the desperate alternative of calling
in a body of their mercenaries to his assistance.

In the beginning of the year 1783; a party of
Sicques traversing the Glipus Ghur districts, ap-

« Burro Sing, was the mme taken by Zabitah Khan. He was
succeeded by his son Gholara Kiabauder, 'in 1735, who, plough an
.ictite Sbldier, and respected by ti>8 ** emancipated

■irom ihetr powet. ■

FOBSTBB's TBAVEtS,

326

preached the Ganges, where it forms the western
limit of Rohilcund, with an intention of cros-
sing the river, and invading the country of the
Vizier. Being at that time in Rohilcund, I
witnessed the terror and general alarm which
prevailed amongst the inhabitants, who, desert-
ing the open country, had retired into forts
and places inaccessible to cavalry. The Sicques,
perceiving the difficulty of passing a river in,
the face of the Vizier’s troops, which were posted
on> the easteiii hank, receded from their purpose.
This fact has been adduced to shew that the
Sicques command an uninterrupted passage to
the Ganges*. ^

Thus have I laid before you, according to
the most substantial authori ties that I could ob-
tain^ the origin of the Sicques their first terri.-
torial establishment, and the outlines of the
progress they made, in extending a spacious do-
minion, and consolidating the power which they
' at this day possess. We have seen this people,
at two different periods, combating; the force of
the Moghiil empire, and so severely depressed
by its supetior strength, that the existence of
their sect was brought tb the edge of annihi-
lation. The Afghan war involved them in a

* TKe Sicque forces assembled , apip ia" tbe beriming of the
year 1785, when they entered tbe province of JRohilcund, and
■having laid it waste, for the, space 'of one hnndred iniks, they ro»
turned niunolested. • ^

FOaSTEli’g TRAV£!I>S.

SS7

series of still more grierous calamity ; as they
had then laid the foundation of a growing power,
and more sensibly felt the ravages of a formiable
foe. They were driven from the sanctuary of
their religion, and persecuted with a rage which
seemed to keep pace vrith the increasing strength
and inveteracy of their enemy : yet we have
seen, that in the lowest ebb of fortune, they
retained the spirit of resource ; that they boldly
seized on every hold which offered support;
and, by an invincible perseverance, that they
ultimately rose superior in a contest with the
most potent prince of his age. Grand auxiliary
uauses operated also in the formation and final
^establishment of the Sic<iues’ dominion. It hath
already been noticed, that the first efforts of
this people commenced at a time when the Mo-
ghul empire lost its energy and vigour*’ utea
intestine commotions, the intrigues of a iUxu'^
rious court, and the defection of distant gover-
nors, had promoted the increase of individual
interests, and a common relaxatiqn of alle-
,giance. -.'-v'y ' r."'

i The deckiV'e superiority obtain^ over the
Sicqties, by.'; Meer' 'Mtinnboi-. vVould, ' we'-naust be- '

: lievei •■'■with' B’;'judic|OUS'''. application"'^^ of* .its' '.uses,
have reni'bved7to\a'T^thef': 'distance the .Tank
which this state tiOMT maintains in TIindo.stan.

IfORSTEH’s TBATEES.

S2B

To develope the actions of men, with whose hi|”
torj we are trivially acquainted, would be fa-
bricating too refined a system of S])eculation ;
nor w^ould I now investigate so obscure a sub-
ject, were it not to generally observe, that the
preservation of the Sicques from the efifects of
Meer Munnoo’s success, appears to have been
largely promoted by the interference of his mi-
nister Khorah Mul, who, being himself a Sicque,
naturally became a trusty advocate of the sect ;
and who, it is said, completed his ascendancy
over the Mahometan, by a considerable do nation.
But the distracted state of Ahmed Shah’s Af-
ghan and Persian dominion, w'hich urgently
called on a personal administration, aflbrded the
Sicques the most favourable occasions of ac-
complishing the conquest of the Punjab and it
is probable, that, had the Afghan prince been
enabled to prolong his campaigns in Hinuostan,
the Sicques would not, during his life, have at-
tained any extensive degree of national conse-
quence. ; ■ ■ , b . '

I FIND an embarrassment in applying a dis-
tinct term to the form of the Sicque govern-
ment, which, on the first view, bears an ap-
pearance of aristocracy ; but a closer exami-
nation discovers a large vein of popular.power
blanching through many of its partsv^^^

-FORSTEH’s TEAVEtS, ,

lioilorary or titular distinction is conferred on
any member * of the state, and the chiefs are
treated with a deference that would seem to arise
only from the military charges they may at the
instant be invested with, and from a self-pre-
serving’ regard to the subordination necessarily
required in conducting an armed body. Though
orders are issued in a Sicque army, and a species
of obedience observed, punishments are rarely
inflicted; and the chiefs, who often command
parties of not more than fifty men, being nu-
merous, its motions are tumultuous and irregular.
An equality of rank is maintained in their civil
society, which no class of men, however wealthy
or powerful, is suffered to break down. At the
periods when general councils of the nation
were convened, which consisted of the army at
large, every member had the privilege of deli-
vering his opinion ; and the majority, it is said,
decided on the subject in debate. The Khalsah
Sicques, even of the lowest order, are turbulent
people, and possess a haughtiness of deportment,
which, in the common occurrences of life, pe-
culiarly marks their character. Examples of this
dfspositioh I have myself Nritnessetl, and one of
them I think merits a distinct iidticei In tra-
velling through the Siriiignaghfif®

♦ ' posteiity the* ten pn^ts are; occasi onally d

330

FO-RSTEXl’s TEAVEES.

party was joined by a Sicque liorseman, aru!
being desirous of procuring his acquaintance, I
studiously offered him the various attentions
which men observe to those they court. But
the Sicque received my advances with a fixed
reserve and disdain, giving me, however, no in-
dividual cause of offence; for his deportment to
the other passengers was not less contemptuous.
His answer, when I asked him the name of his
chief, was wholly conformable to the observa-
tions I had made of his nation. He told me
(in a tone of voice, and vuth an expression of
countenance, which seemed to revolt at the idea
of servitude) that he disdained an earthly su-
perior, and acknowledged no other master than
hiS'-prophetl ' . ,

The civil and military gover»iB«Jt of the
Sicques, before a common interest had ceased to
actuate its operations, was conducted by ge-
neral and limited assemblies, which presided
over the different departments of the state. The
grand conveDtion, called in their language
rimotta^ was that in which the army met? to
transact the mote iprpaftant affairs of the natibn ;
as the d eclara ti on of war or peace, form ing alii
ances, ; and /-detaching pipties:' ■ ourflte^' ^ ser^ie«''of'
the year. '■ Tlie amount-qf the?bohiributidh« decried?'
on the public account was reported to; as-
sembly, and divided among the ohiefs, proppr-

l<'0RST,15a’s TRAVELS. 33 i

tionably to the ijumber of their troops. They
were at the same time obliged to tlistribute a
certain share of this property to their soldiers,
who, on any cause of dissatisfaction, made no
hesitation in quitting their service, and following
a more popular leader. Subordinate officers
were established for registering the political cor-
respondence of the state, and for providing war-
like stores ; and the administration of ecclesias-
tical affairs was entrusted to a certain society of
religieuse, composed chiefly of the descendants
of their original priests, but they did not pos-
sess any influence in the temporal regulation of
the state. ' These were the principal ordinances
enacted by the first chiefs, when the people were
united, - and a common object governed their
public conduct. The dominions of the Sicques,
now widely extended, have been since divided
into numerous states, which pursue an inde-
pendent interest, without a regard to general
policy. The grand assembly is now rarely sum-
moned, nor have the Sicques, since the Afghan
war, been embarked in any united cause.

Thbir military i firree^m be said to ©ousist
essentialiy of cava! ry forr though some artill^y
is maiiitaitted, it is jitkwardly managed, andrits
uses ill ! understood b* lilielt infantry, held in

low estimation, usually garrison the forts, , and
are employed in the meaner duties of the service.

33S

FOESTER’s I'EAVEES.

A Sicque horseman is armed with a matchlock
and sabre of excellent metal, and his horse is
strong and well formed. In this matter I speak
from a personal knowledge, having in the course
of iny journey seen two of their parties, each of
which amounted to about two hundred horse-
men. They were clothed in white vests *, and
their arms were preserved in good order : the
accoutrements, consisting of priming-horns and
ammunition-pouches, were chiefly covered with
European scarlet cloth, and ornamented w'ith
gold lace. The predilection of the Sicques for
the match-lock musquet, and the constant use
they make of it, causes a difference in their’ man-
ner of attack from that of ^ny other Indian ca-
valry; -a party^ from forty to fifty, advance in
a quick pace to the distance of a carabine shot
from the enemy, and theii, that the fire may be
given with the greater certainty, the horses a:re
drawn up, and their pieces discharged ; when,
speedily retiring about a hundred paces,/the‘y
load, and repeat the same mode of annexing the ,
enemy. The horses have been so expertly
trained to the peTformance of this operation,
that, on receiving a stroke of the hand, they
stop from a full career. But it is not by this
mode of combat that the Sicques have become

, ^ calico gmviij having'adose sIccfes/mLltfia

sorster’s travels. 33S

aforraidable people. Their successes and con-
quests have largely originated from an activity
unparalleled by other Indian nations, from their
endurance of excessive fatigue, and a keen re-
sentment of injuries. The personal endowments
of the Sicques are derived from a temperance
of diet, and a forbearance from many of those
sensual pleasures which have enervated the
Indian Mahometans. A body of their cavalry
has been known to make marches of forty or
fifty miles, and to continue the exertion for
many successive clays-

TtiE forces of this nation must be numerous,
though I am not possessed of any substantial
document for ascertaining the amount. A Sic-
que will confidently say, that his country can
furnish three hundred thousand cavalry, and,
to autlienticate tlie assertion, aflirms that every
person, bolding even a small property^ is pro-
vided with a horse, matcli-lock, and side-arms.
But in qualification of this account, if we admit
that the Sicques when united can bring two
hundred thousand horse into ,the field, their
force in cavalry is greater than that of any other
stat0 in Tlindostan. A passage /which I extract-
ed ^ from a, tdemoir?*/ written iat Pelhi in 1777,
exhibits a Ijyely picture; of this people in their
. ■■ .capacity. ■ : ; ■ The:/. .-Sicques, ” ■ it.,:;, , repre-

' : . 'I , * I b«Sieve'it: ■wa&.vnittca t>y'Col(ia«l Polier.' . ■ ,

334 ' • FOKSTEe’s TRAVELS.

sents, “ are in general strong and well made;
“ accustomed from their infancy to the most
“ laborious life, and hardest fare, they make
“ marches, and undergo fatigues that really ap-
“ pear astonishing. In their excursions they carry
“ no tents or baggage, except, perhaps, a small
tent for the principal officer : the rest shelter
‘‘ themselves under blankets, which serve them
‘‘ also in the cold weather to wrap themselves
in, and which, on a march, cover their saddles.
‘‘ They have commonly two, some of them
“ three, Imrses each, of the middle size, strong,
“ active, and mild teKnpered. The provinces
“ of Lahore and Moidtan, noted for a breed of
“ the best horses in Hindbstan, afford them an
“ ample supply ; and indeed they take the
/.greatest; ;care. /to.- /increase- - 4t-’hy all'- m'eahs; -in
“ their power. Thongli they make merry on
“ the demise of any of their brethren, they
“ mourn for the death of ahorse : thus shewing
tiicir love of an animal so necessary to them
“ iiTtlwh , professional capacity. The focwl of
■ ‘ the Sicques is of the coarsest kind, and stich
“ as the > ptwrest people in ilindCMStalQ use froilv
.'•‘‘-..■neeessl t-y.! . l!'readi''-hakfel,'in;ashes,- -'aiid-'scaked''*'
.in,/ a -.anash' ;made'-. -'of 4l,jfl/eteKt;--';sOrts.'-c#'''-|i-'nI.^,
/‘f ;-,-// is,, -the-,./ :bcs,t dish;, ,' and' .th.ey-'/-hs-*^-'df

;-‘:‘,„-/,'d-ttige- in,- bn t . w'-he-n-l^"--full ■ -leisure- .bthWW'fsif,
/vetches ,apil.4ar$5,. - hastily; -p4'rchedv..r-'-i,5,ail', they ,,

rORSTEtt’s TllAVEES. SS5'

care for. They abhor smoaking tobacco, for
“ what reason I cannot discover ; but intosi-
“ cate themselves freely with spirits of their
“ own country manufacture. A cup of the
“ last they never fail taking after a fatigue at
“ night. Their dress is extremely scanty : a
“ pair of long blue drawers, and a kind of
checkered plaid, a part of which is fastened
“ round the waist, and the other thrown over
“ the shoulder, with a mean turban, form their
clothing and equipage. The chiefs are dis-
tinguished by wearing some heavy gold
bracelets on their wrists, and sometimes a
“ chstin of the same metal bound round their
turbans, and by being mounted on better
horses : otherwise, no distinction appears
“ amongst them. The chiefs are numerous,
“ some of whom have the commaiMl -of ten or
“ twelve thousand cavalry ; but tlm power is
confined to a small number, the inferior
“ officers maintaining from one to two thou-
“ sand, and many not more than twenty or
“ thirty borsesi a c®r.tain quota of which is
' * furnished by the chief, the greater part b^

"H- the indkidoal property of the horse^^^^ ’

\ the spirit^pf indepOTdence so, ‘invariably:'

■infused ^'mongst theiv ::mntual jealomy,

and rapacious roving* tenjp^# Sicques at

336'

FORSTJSU’S TKAVE1.S.

this day are seldom seen co-operatiiig hi national
concert, but, actuated by the influence of an
individual ambition, or private distrust, they pur-
sue such plans only as coincide with these mo-
tives. An example of their forces being engaged
in opposite interests, has been noticed in the
case of Mhah Sing, who succoured the Rajah
of J umbo, against the Sicque party, which had
invaded his country. Before the chiefs of the
Mountaineers country, at the head of the Pun-
jab, M'ere reduced to a tributary state, severe
depreciations v’ere committed on tliem by the
Sicques, who plundered and destroyed their
habitations, carried off the cattle, and, if strong
and well formed, the male children, who were
made converts to the faith of Nanock. But
since the payment of a fixed tribute has been
stipLiiatecI, which does not amount to more than
five per cent, on the revenue, tlie Mountaineers
are little molested, except when the Sicques
have been called in to adjust their domescie
quarrels,. ■;

The extensive and fertile territory of the
Sicques, and ; their .attacliment and . appli cation
in the midst pf ; vvarfaje. to the occupations of
agriculture, most evidently produce a large fe-
veime. The clistriGts dependent on I^ll^re. an
the -reign of Aurungzf be,; produced, "■ aceordinig, '

Forster’s travels.

3:^7

to Mr. Bernier, a revenue of two hundred and
fortj'-slK lacks and ninety-five thousand rupees*;
and we are naturally led to suppose, from the
industrious skill of the Sicques in the various
branches of cultivation, that no great decrease
of that amount can have taken place since the
Punjab has fallen into their possession.

Ax extensive and valuable commerce is also
maintained in their country, which has been ex-
tended to distant (quarters of India ; particularly
to the provinces of Bengal and Bahar, where
many Sicque merchants of opulence at this time
reside. The Omichund who took so active,
though unfortunate, a share in the revolution>
•which the English effected in Bengal, was a
Sicquc ; as is his adopted son, who is now an in-
habitant of Calcutta. Merchants of every nation
or sect, who may introduce a traffick into their
territories, or are established under their govern-
ment, experience a full protection, and enjoy
commercial privileges iu common with their own
subjects. At the same time it must be noticed,
that such immunities are granted only to those
who remain amongst them# or import wares for the
immediate supply of the Sicque markets. , But the
foreign traders, or even travellers, who attempt

' ..

* l'wo,mil!ikm¥ tiow hundred _atfd sjxty-nbe tlipiirtd hun-
dred poumk sterlmg, at two shillings for the njpee.

«! ^ ! ■« ^ #

I. E

EOESTEE’i' TBAVEESV

33S

to pass through the Punjab, are often plundered,
asd usually ill-treated. In the event of no moles-
tation being offered to people of this description,
the escape is ever spoken of with a degree of
joyful surprise, and a thanksgiving is offered to
Providence for the singular escape This con-
duct, inimical to the progress of civilization,
and an impediment to the influx of wealth, pro-
ceeds from an extreme jealousy of strangers,
added to a rapacity of temper, which make them
averse to the encouragement of any scheme
iii whose success they do not immediately par-
ticipate. .

The Sicques- are not rigorous in their stipu-
lations with the Mahometan proselytes, who, if
they abstain from beef’s flesh (which is held im
equal abhorrence by the Sic^ques as by the Iii n-
doosT and perform the more ostensible duties, as
burning their dead, and preserving the hair of
the head, an indulgent latitude is g-ranted in all
tha other articles of the creed of Nanock. The
Mahometans who reside in the Punjab, arc
subject to occasional oppression, and often
to.' of rthe - ..lower classes ■ of "the

•people ; 'among ;':^wh'oma .it.> iS: .■-■■not 'an- • u'ncom-
..jn©.a.'. practice to-;. defile ■.• the' places, of wo^rstrip, .:bj'
■■.'■throwing.: in the .'carcases "Of- 'hogs -aad'," other
'■■.■things' -iield' ■im'pttte..''''''''by''''';''the'''.Mmse'lm^^ l-aw.

:. ■ Th:© „' Mahothef ana are'.':..also . ^ohibited ■from'.',;

fORSTEK*S TRAVELS.

m.

iioimcing tbeir stated times of prayer, which,
conformably to their usage, is proclaimed in a
loud tone of voice. A Sicque who in the chase
shall have slain a wild hog, is frequently known
to compel the first Mahometan he meets to carry
to his home the body of the animal; and, on.
being initiated into the rites of their religion, the
Sicques will sometimes require a Mahometan
convert to bind on his arm the tusk of a boar,
that, by this act of national impurity, he may
tlie more avowedly testify a renunciation and
contempt of the tenets of his former faith.
These facts will sufficiently mark the haughty
and insulting elemeanour, which, with few de-
viations, forms a prominent feature in the cha-
racter of the military Sicques ; but we may also
ascribe a certain portion of their severe and con-
tumelious treatment of the Mahometans, tb si
remembrance of reeept injuries.

The discordant interests which agitate the
Sicque nation, and the constitutional genius of
the people, must incapacitate them, during the
existence of these causes, from becoming a for-
midable dfiensive power ; nor are they inveated
with that species of executive strength which is
Becessary' 'tO' ad'vance. "and '.‘establish a drstiint,
conquest. In the defence and recovery of their
count.ry, the '^'S'icqu€s.''disptayed;a cbhfage of' the'
'.most '''bbstinat'C'';''fe'lndi', ■■"'and:,, manifested -'a' 'perse-:,

. . V''' : '■ .■-'■55 St-:''",'; ; ■,■ ',:''■■■' '

340

FOBSTEr’s TBAVEI.S.

verance, under the pressure of calamities, which
bear an ample testimony of native resource, when
the common danger had roused them to action,
and gave but one impulse to their spirit Should
any future cause call forth the combined efforts
of the Sicques to maintain the existence of
empire and religion, we may see some ambitious
chief led on by his genius and success, and, ab-
sorbing the power of his associates, display, from
the ruins of their commonwealth, the standard
of monarchy. The page of history is filled
with the like effects, springing from the like
causes. Under such a form of government, I
have little hesitation in saying, that the Sicques
would be soon advanced to the first rank
amongst the native princes of Hindostan ; and
would become a terror to the surrounding
states*.

I am,

Dear Sir,

Yours, See.

* Mhadgce Sctiul'ia, a Marhatia chief, by seizing the retK's of
the 'Imperial atiihovity and domain, lias placotl himself in tin:
situation 'tthicii tl»e Sicques nwisl have been desirous of occupying.
This resolution wiil naturally create anaUonal enmity, perhuiisu
contest, between the nofthern branch of tlw Marhatta empire, and
the Sicques.

FORSTEh’s XllAVELS.

?A1

LETTER XIL

Kashmiri, April, 1783.

Dear Sir,

On the 17th of April, I left
Jumbo; and, accompanied by a Kashmirian
servant, who carried my baggage, I reached the
small village of Dunshaulah, after a painful
journey on foot, of ten cosses. A review of my
feet, too plainly shewed that they had not been
proof against the steep and rocky roads I bad
clambered over ; indeed they had suffered so
severely by bruises and excoriations, that I
could scarcely walk.

Having bound up my feet with bandages
soaked in oil, I reached, on the 18th, though
with difficulty, the village of Nagrolah— -five
cosses. During these two last days, I paid, at
the different custora■^hQuses, certain small ffees
of office, which were not authorized charges ; but:
being known to be a stranger, and apparently in
a cowiltibtt to satisfy the depand, I was seldom
permitted to pass a Gustomdjoule unmolested,

3$S yansTER’s travel*.

Thougli the lacerations in my feet gave me much
pain, especially at the first setting- off, I pursued
my journey in good spirits, being protected by
the quiet disposition of the people, and sure of
procuring a good meal in the evenings, -with
commodious lodging. The first night, we were
received into a retail shop, at Dunshaulah,
where I slept on my large blanket, and supped
on some spiced meat and biscuits, which my
Jumbo host had provided ; and at Nagrolah we
were accommodated by a Mahometan family,
w’bo supplied me with a standing bed.

On the 1 9th, at Luttere — eight co&ses. The
latter part of the journey led me up a high aud
steep hill, and the sun, then at its meridian
height, had nearly overpowered me ; when, on
a sudden, I found myself on a summit, where
some charitable Hindoo had erected a small, but
a cool, building*, plentifirlly supplied with
pots of water. Under this hospitable shade, 1
was permitted, though a Mahometan, to rest
during the day, and to sleep at night. Many
Hindoos came in for the benefit of the water
and shade, and observing that I was lame, they
treated me -with an attentive kindness, and dis“
pensed with my rising when any of their principal
people entered.

* Called,- » die language of the country, DunmMm, wtiicli
stguified ** A chiitajjiis foundation.”

rOHSTEfi’s TBAVELS.

343

In the number of those wlio carae to
partake of the charitable uses of this house,
was a Mahometan, who, ejaculating his Bis-
millah laid himself down, without farther
ceremony, in the interior quarter of the apart-
ment. A Hindoo of rank, accompanied by
several attendants, entered soon after, and ob-
serving that the mendicant had occupied
the most convenient as well as honorary place,
and that he offered no mark of attention or
respect, the Hindoo ordered that his chattels,
which were heavy, should be thrown into the
road. On exclaiming against this act of ejec-
tion, he was told, that though the house was
erected for the purpose of common accommo-
dation, with no view of excluding any nation
or sect ; yet in some cases, as in the present,
an observance of precedency and deference was
necessary. This anecdote will serve to gene-
rally delineate the native difference betvrixt the
temper of a Hindoo and a Mahometan. What
do you think would have been the reception of
a Hindoo, particularly of a religious order, had
he come into a karavanserah, in a Mahometan
couirtry, and thrown his brass pot, his rice, or
peas, into an apartment which Mahometans had
previously occufMed r Could the Ifindoo have

Au AraWck coi)r^o«ndword,?ignMyiBg «IlitlienaraeofG<kl.'’

344

roasxER’s tkavels.

acted wifh such indiscretion — his punishment
would have been more disgraceful and severe
than death. From long observation, I can with
confidence say, that the Hindoos are a more
temperate people, and much more useful in the
various relations of life, than any class of Ma-
hometans that have come within my know-
ledge.

At the vicinity of Nagrolah commence the
districts of the Chinnanee chief, a dependent
on Jumbo, who possesses a revenue of about a
lack of rupees. This chief does not remit any
tribute to his superior, but assists his govern-
ment with a quota of troops in the event of
e-xigency ; and conformably to this tenure he
now serves in the campaign against the Sicques.

On the 20th,. at Chinnanee ; a neat and por
pulous town, situate on the brow of a hill; at
the foot of which, on the eastern side, runs a
rapid stream, passing to the left. This channel
is passed by means of two stout fir beams, one
of which reaches from the shore to an insulated
rock in, the. centre of the current, on which it
is fastened by wooden stakes; and the other
e.ytends from the rock to the opposite hank.
The velocity with which the water was precipi-
tated, its roaring noise, and the narrow shaking
bridge, gave full Occasion for the use of tny
eye, -and .the steadin^i^s of my head. At Chip-

iOBSTEll’s TEAVfiliS.

345

naiiee, I \ras taxed in the sum of a rupee for
permission to cross the river Chinnaun, which
forms the western limit of this chiefship.

On the 21st, at Dumomunjee — seven cosses.
A few scattered houses, in one of which I was
accommodated by a Kashmirian family, who
had taken a farm in that quarter. The approach
to this village leads through a valley, covered
with luxuriant herbage, and interspersed with
some of the raos, beautiful shrubs I ever saw.
}'’i-om Jumbo hither, the road tended, as nearly
as I could ascertain, to the east and east-by-
south ; but from the vicinity of Dumomunjee
it leads to the north and north- by- west*. '

On the ‘-‘id, at Nausman — nine cosses : a
small village ui the Kishtewer country : the
onl> iudi nudent Hindoo territory I have yet
see in India. This day, crossed the Chinnaun,
UH i..y rlenominatcd at this place, from the
mode of crossing it, the Chickah. The manner
of conveying passengers and all sorts of property
over this stream is curious, and deserves expla-
nation, The Chinnaun is about seventy or
eighty .yards broad, and, like the rivers of this

* My servant iinfonned me that robberies are oftm committed
III tlieie pitth fey the inhabitants of an adjacent district; and to
avoid wiilcli, travellers have been kdiicod la malie a devkiioa
froiii the marc direct track. But I appreted that the abrupl
sli^epfiess of eome of the ranges of mountams i» this quarter^, has
.ifaiiicii fMs oblique direetioi%.

FOHSrtiJl S TftATJSTjS.

M6

part of India, from the declivity of tlic coiintiy^
very rapid. On the opposite teaks are fixed
strong woodte po.sts, of about four feet in
height, on the upper ends of which a stout rope
is tightly extended, and is joined below to a
smaller one, by hoops of twisted osiers.-— In the
centre of the small rope, to which only the
hoops are firmly attached, hangs a vehicle of
net-vrark, for the conveyance of merchandise
and passengers, which 'is supported from the
main rope by a wooden slider, in the form and
size of a bullock’s j’oke, to whose ends the
vehicle is fastened y and a sufficient length of
both en<ls of the small rope permits it to be
landed on either side of the river. It appears
that the seat, or, as it is termed in this country,
the Chickah, is by mutual agreement kept on
the Ivishtewer side, during the night In defi-
ance of my passport, the ofiker at the Chiiinance
limit, taxed me in an additional fee ; and I was
also compelled to buy my way through an infe*
rior tribe of harpies, who infested the water-
side. Anxious to arrive at the end of the stage,
being both iniagry and tired, I emleavau«d to
pacify their clamovits ; but other demands were
yet against mC':^ for this extraordinary race, of
'ihrrymen, 'having conveyed, my 'Servant a»d O'ur ■'
fiftlc baggage over half of the river, kept tltero
swinging there, a.nd .declared ,t hat . they aliould..

Forster’s TBAv ELS. 317

ue detained until a second payment was made.
Though this impediment materially aifected nae,

I could not resist laughing at the awkward
position of the unfortunate domestic, who bawled
out to me, from his slack rope, that they -were
a pack of hardened rogues, and that he would
rather be kept hanging all night, than consent
to give them a farthing more. But the neces-
sities of my situation cooled my resentment, and
obliged me to purchase his release.

At Nausman, I waited on a Mahometan of
some distinction, who was travelling into Kash-
mire, and I requested permission to travehin his
suite, that I might with more success, I in-
formed him, repel the dreaded attack of the
custom-house officers ; who, since my departure
from Jumbo, had extorted a larger sum than
was proportioned to the state of my finances.
At the distance of every ten or twelve miles
from Jumbo to the Chinnaun river, one of these
petty tyrants takes his stand and on the pay-
ment of a stipulated sum to the government,
collects the public duties, as well as enforces
every species of private exaction ; and- such
taxes have became tbq more grievous to the
Bierchaiit, by their being equally levied on the
transportation of goods through a district, as
'' aiAhe .aetual'place of sale.,,. TVom;|Caslniiire;tq
, 'jLuckiiowvarc'.uot iesS' thmy thirty.' stations at

348

foester’s TEATEI^K-

which a duty of three and four per cent, is levied
on. every quality of merchandize; this cliarge,
with the expences necessarily incurred in the
course of a tedious and distant land-conveyance,
largely enhances the price of shawls in the lower
part of India. Zulphucar Khan, the person
whom I had addressed^ readily ofiered me as-
sistance, and admitted me, without reserve,
into his party. This Khan had lately served
the chief of Jumbo, and had been employed in
the management of a district which that chief
holds in Kashmire. But on the charge of some
default, the Mahometan was recalled ; and, after
undergoing a rigorous confinement, as well as
severe tortures, the effect of which had de-
stroyed his right hand, he was permitted to
retire into Kashmire, where his family now
resides.

On the 23cl, we proceeded six cosses, and
halted on the summit of a steep and uninhabited
mountain : the air, in itself bleak, was made
painfully cold by the fall of a heavy rain, which
did not cease during the night. It were ainwst
superfluous to sayj that the person who makes
this journey, should possess a strong and vigo-
rous constitution,' and be should also endeavour
to cordially wgan himself from the desire of
every 'luxury.''

Oh'' 'the';'24',th,. S't 11 u'li wSiggin,;;a f il iagc:; ■■ com-

Forster’s travels.

S49

posed ot detached hamlets — five cosses. The
journey of this day consisted wholly of clam-
bering over hills, and I may add, rolling down
them. The protection of the Khan was coa-
.spicuousiy manifested at this custom - housCj
where 1 only paid one quarter of a rupee; and
being now considered an established member of
his family, Twas treated at our places of halt
with much civility. All the custom-houses on
tlic north side of the Chiniiaun, are in the hands
of Kashmirians, who have found in the Hindoo
districts a safe and prolitable retreat from the
oppre-ssions of their own government. The in-
habitants of Kishtewer are Hindoos, though the
chief is a Mahometan ; but we may suppose no
very rigid one, for either he, or his father, be-
came a convert, to effect some purpose with the
governor of Kashmire.

On the 85th, at Iktinaul— seven cosses. A
small village, dependent on Kashmire; where
w'c were accommodated in a mosque*, the, com-
mon lodging of Mahometan travellers, in places
not supplied with karavanserahs. Much hai|.
and rain having fallen this day, the pafb, a
winding and narrow one, became so ; slippery,

' that Qm progress was "very slow';, aad';my shoes; ^
whicli were purchased at Jumbo; now evinced
•so' many' /.w.ide : marks ■ of ■ di8solufldn;v that . I' was;

' *' 'U wM'SMil; •' '• . ' ,,

3o0

Jf^RSXEIit’s ■ THAVEf.a.

obliged to tie them to my feet with cords. At
the distance of three cosses to the south-east of
the village of Bannaul, we passed' the boundary
of a division of the. Kashmire territory, lying
without the greater circle of mountains. The
governors of Kashmire permit the fertile valley
of Bamiaul, of ten or twelve miles in length, to
remain uncultivated, that it may not afford shel-
ter or provision to the bordering Hindoo states ,
who, in former periods, have, through this tract,
approached the interior pa- ses of Kashmire.

On the Sdth, at the town of Durroo, or Sur-
roo, a station — seven cosses. The first part of
this road leads over a mountain, wiiose ascent
is computed, in a winding direction, at six.
miles. Oil the summit, then covered with snow,
except where a stream of water iiiteryene.s, are
seen the plains of Kashmire, extending, in a
long range, from the south-east to the north-
west, and exhibiting a beautiful diversity of
landscape- The view, long a rare one to me,
was highly grateful, and excited a train of
pleasing 5d<Ja% which the successful progress of
my journey.contributcd to heighten, and which
I continued to indulge, until the extreme chili-
ness of the air compelled me to descend into a
..warmer climate.; ' '.

nowfbro.ught.y.ou tO' a ■t^r'vlew'of
'tbis;^ lapel o.f pleasure,' i aai' wged, :'that;.t!ie dc- ■

FORSTSa’s TRAVELS. Slit

scription may be more explanatory, to call back
your attention to the country and people I have
lately visited. — ^From Lull Dong to the Ganges,
the face of the country forms a close chain of
Tpoody mountains, and, did not one or two mi-
serable hamlets feebly interpose, you would pro-
noufice tliat division of Siringnaghur fitted only
for the Irabitation of the beasts of the forest
Elephants abound there, in numerous herds ;
but arc not to be seen, it is said, on the west side
of the Jumna. Itj the vicinity of Nhan, the coun-
try is intersper-sed with low hills, and frequently
opens into extensive valleys ; which having, per-
haps, ever lain waste, are overgrown Tvith low
wood. From thence to Ballaspour, the scene is
changed into piles of lofty mountains, whose
narrow breaks Irarely serve to discharge the de-
scending streams. From Bellaspour, fertile val-
leys, thougli not wide, extend to Bissouly, where
the country is again covered with high bills,
which, with little vamtion, stretch to ;the
iimits of Kashmire. The boundaries of Kish-
tewer, except to the pkee of my entrance and
itepartute, are not specified ; nor is the amount
■' of the revenues an, omission caused' by 'my .in-'

552

roESTEft’s TBAVEtrS.

west, west-nortli-vvest, and west- by-north ; ex*,
cept where the deviation is otherwise noted.
The sides of the inhabited mountains [)roduee
wheat, barley, and a variety of the small g-Kiiji-
peculiar to India. The cultivmted spaces pro-
ject from the body of the hill, in separate flats,
in the form of a range of semicircular stairs :
with a broad base and a narrow summit. The
ground, which is strong and productisc, lias
been propelled, it should seem, ipto these pro-
jections by the action of the rains, tvhich fall
among these mountains with great violence,
from June till October; and is now presciwed,
in this divided and level state, by buttresses of
loose stones^ vdiich bind in the edge of every
flat. Rice is also cultivated in the narrow \ al-
leys, but not in a great (j,uantity ; nor is it
the usual food of the inhabitants, who chiefly
subsist on wdieat, bicad, and pease made into a
thick soup. From jShan, the northcni sides of the
hills produce the fir*, in great plenty ; and in
the country between Jumbo and Kashmire, are
seen many pines; but I observed they only grew
on the north face of the mountains- I have fr^:-
quently eat my meal under the shade of a spread-
ing willow, which here, as in Europe, delights
in hanging over a stream. The climate is npt
favouiable to finits and vegetables, being too hot

f ThM specks of it €gille4 the Intis i|^

j'okstice's travels.

SBS

foi tlie Persian products, and not sufficiently
warm to mature those of India: though the
^hitc iinilbcrry must be excepted, which, at
J umbo, is of a large size, and of an exquisite
flavour. The villages of the Mountaineers, or
rather their hamlets, stand generally on the
brow of a hill, and consist of from four to six or
eight small scatteicd houses; which are built of
rough stones, laid in a clay loam, and usually
flat -roofed ; I have also seen, though not often,
sloping roofs of wood. Tlie resinous parts of
the fir, cut in slips, supply the common uses of the
lamp, iti all the places where that tree abounds ;
but the mctliod of extracting its turpentine, or
tar, does not seem to be known. The natives
of these mountains are composed of the differ-
ent classes of Hindoos, and little other differ-
ence of manners exists between them and those
of the southern quarters of India than is seen
amongst a people who occupy the high and low
lands of the same country. The scarcity of
vrealth, by depressing the growth of luxury, has
given them a nitle simplicity of character, and
has impeded the general advancement of civili-
zatioo. Tlicy have no spacious buildings for
private or public use, nor in the performance- of
religious offices do they observe those minuter or
refloed mtemmim tl»t arc practised by the
southern Hindoos.

VOL. I.

lAi

Sdi

FOKSrSr’jJ tltKXfMti

At Tauilali Mhokee* a small volcanic fire is-
sues from the side of a mountani, on which tlit
IJiudoos have raised a temple that has long heen
of celebrity and favourite resort among the people
of the Punjab. Fire being the purest of the dc-
ments, the Hindoos consider it, as did most of
the ancient Asiatic nations, the fittest emblem
to represent the Deity. All places wliich pro~
duce a subterraneous flame are held sacred by the
Hindoos, who do not permit any image to be
placed near it ; believing that other symbols
rvould tend to sully the purity of this represen-
tation ; and I have often noticed, that those
Hindoos who are most conversant in the rites of
their religion, never omitted, at the fint sight
of fire in the course of the day, to offer up a
prayer of adoration. The Mountaineers invaria-
bly reserved the beard, and, instead of bowing
the head in salutation, as in Lower India, they
embrace the party addressed, and incline the
head over his left shoulder. The growtli of the
beard is encouraged, perhaps, from a certain
ferocity of disposition incident to their situation,
and generally predominant in tlie disposition of
Mountaineers, which prompts them, in differ-
ent modes, to shew a disdain and contempt for

* TMs word Tlie motjtli of t!sf The place

!« situie cTglit or nine miles to tli^ jftortlMiiri! of NAtofi tile
cipal town in tlie Kaiigrah country, ^ f ^ .

t

3PoTtSTEK*S TRAViJTiS. SSj

tlie softer manners of the natives of tlie low
country *.

Tuk women have the olive complexion, are
delicately shaped, and evince a freedom in
their manner, which; without a tendency to
Immodesty, or connected with the habits of
licentiousness, seems the result of the common
conlitlence reposed in them by the men; I have
$etm a woman stop, though carrying a pot of
water, and converse unreservedly with passem
gers ; givis^g them an information of the road, or
any other ordinary intdUgence. Their dress con*
sists of a petticoat, with a boi'der, usuallyof differ-
ent colours; a close jacket, covering half of the
waist; and a loose stomacher to the fore part of
it, which reaches to the girdle. Their hair,
which they hold in as high an estimation as that
beautiful appendage can be regarded by the gay-
est females of Europe, is plaited with black silk,
or cotton strings, and falls down tbe back; over

* A of the part nf the throaty which Is ascribed

tO'tb« rpialliy of the wateri pre^jtils amoog the momitaiie ^

' A« tli« complaioijf proceeding probably^ frowi the like
‘h iiicicknt to certkm hdiabitets of the Alps and othetsBQtri*/'
in Eciropej tbe, origin of It has^ 'doubtless^ beea'sel*^

^ I will, therefore, only

Mini, 'th'iitilw water 'ifittlng from these motmtaiw’ U
immhthc liii'§ttiiixtrire\af «noW|,, crude attd.ooW quality/ tod:

may Imye'ftciiiiirrd it$'Mkgedpernkioui>itpefty being ct®-
in okimicds)' 'widc^b,' the sh^k, of '.the woods/' aod the >ei|ht oF
Ae.hillifrfcl«l'c'frdii#freeck«ulatk>nof air'ii»4, .ticTaffo'fthe sws*

A 4 ' ■

356 foesteb’s travels.

whlcli they throw, in a gi'aceful fashion, a veil
which seldom touches, and never wholly con-
ceals, the face. The women of the principal
people, in the manner of the Mahometans, are
kept in private apartments : this practice, exis-
ting in a country * where little danger is appre-
hended from foreign intrusion, affords a belief,
that the concealment of the higher, ranks of
women has been an established custom of the
Hindoos, previously to the date of the Mahome-
tan conquest of India. It was once my opinion,
that the Hindoos had secluded them from the
public view that they might not be exposed to
the intemperance of the Mahometan conquerors;
but after perceiving the usage adopted amongst
the sequestered Mountaineers, and also amongst
the various independent Marhatta states, I am
induced to think that the exclusion of women
from society, prevailed in 'India before the
period of the Afghan or Tartar invasions. At
the same time, were a couclusion to be drawn
from certain customs qf the Hindoos, now obso-
lete, butnoticed in their history, I would say, that
they did not, in more ancient times, confine any
class of their women ; but, as their manners,
from the influx of wealth, apd consequent
luxury, became less simpl*^ that the princes

* Moiji|itamosis and difticult ofarc«s hostile nation.

roHSTSu’s TKATELS. St?

and nobles of tlie country produced the inno%'a-
tion from a desire of impressing the populace
with a greater respect for their families. The
story of the incarnations of Vystnow, and other
ancient legends, shews that the Hindoo women
were admitted into the assembly of men, and
often possessed an extensive sway. In the his-
tory of their celebrated Ram, who appears to
have been a powerful soldier, is seen a passage
which serves to illustrate this position, and to
tra(*c also, to a high source, a mode of trial
formerly established in Europe.

It is necessary to inform you, thatSreeMun
Narrain, the Supreme Dtlty of the Hindoos,
together with his indivisible associates, Mhah
Letchimy, and the Snake, for the purpose of
correcting cei tain evils which had at that time
deranged our terrestrial World, found it expedient
to personify human creatures : Narrain assumed
the form of Ram, a renowned soldier ; Letchimy
became his wife, under the name of Seetah
Hevee ; and the Snake was transformed into
the body of Letchimun, the brother and com-
panion of Rate. It is seen that these personages
mixed freely in die societies Of the world, nor
does any part of the histmy notiee the retir««
mentof StKtah; she h indeed, represented
coming forth on every occasion which ooiild»»
with 'ipfopriety*, the intterference of her

338

FOBSTEa’S TBAVEES.

sex. A service of importance calliag upon
Ram’s iiidiv'idual exertion, lie consigned Seetali
to the charge of Letchimun : the lady and her
guardian remained some time in security and
quiet; when a famed magician, instigared no
doubt by the devil, who is ever on the w-atch to
draw astray mortals, particularly th ’ female
division of them, came that way. saw ! ectah,
and became violently enamoured. Thi; ubtle
man, having discovered, it is su| - >sed bx his
Spells and incantations, that the ey f women arc
the soonest ensnared, let fly, fuh the sight of
Seetah, a bird of brilliant aiid bea i ml plumage.
This artifice had the most power' >i effect ; for
the cleluded fair-one instantly comjured Tetchi-
mun, by every pledge he .held dear, by the
affection he bore to her, by his friendship for
Ram, to procure for her the charming bird,
lietchimun, amazed and: much troubled at this
entreaty, endeavoured to describe the imminent
danger of quitting her in so perilous a situation,
his dread of Ram’s displeasure for? the desertion
of so gmnd a trust ; in short, ha iirged every
argument which a regard for h is emen character
or her safety could suggest; The dazzling bites
of the bird had so atnply filled the mind of
Seetah, that no space remained for the counsel
of Letchimun i she must possess this charming
bbjeef of' hdr ' wishes>’' '■ Or 'beconie' the •.

FonSTES’s TaAVEM.

559

ra1>le of women. On tlie repeated denial of
Letclnmun to gratify so dangerous a request,
blinded by the disappointment of her hopes, and
impelled by a paroxysm of rage, she accused
liifn of the design of seduction, which she al-
leged to be the reason of his refusal to leave
her. .Lctcluinun, now convinced of the ineffi-
e'acy of argument, and the necessity of acqui-
escence, went in quest of the bird; but pre-
viously to his departure he drew a magic circle
around the spot where Seetah stood, and told
her, that within that space no calamity could
enter. Letchimun had no sooner gone, than
the plotting necromancer, assuming the appear-
ance of an old man, approached, with a feeble
and decrepit step, the place where Seetah stood,
and, through an apparent excess of weakness,
extended himself on the ground. He be-
sought her, in a piteous tone of voice, for
a little water to allay bis thirst, and restore
his exhausted strength. The humane, but
ill-fated, Seetali, felt the force of the old man’s
piuyer, and, with a bosom overflowing with be-
nevolence, she stepped, unmindful of her safety,
beyond the prescribed bounds, and fell that in-
stant into the power of her betrayer. Here .fhe
story wanders into a wilder fleld of fable; where
reap little 'credit, ..orjou; irnprovement.
will, therefore, 'content ■myself ■wi;th;,meo-

m:

POH'STEa’S TEATEtS.

tioning, that after RaUi had recovered Sectah,
he> ordered, for the removal of certain suspicions
which had crept into his own breast, and for
etfectually shutting the mouth of slander, which
began to open, that she should be judged by
the ordeal trial. Seetah, eager to banish every
doubt from the mind of her lord, and to exhibit
to the world a public test of her purity, joyfully
heard the mandate ; and, without show of dread,
walked over the burning iron. But the feet of
Seetah, says the story, “ being shod with in«
“ nocence, the scorching heat was to her a bed
“ of flowers.”

Pardon me for the intrusion of this Eastern
tale, which might justly be deemed a trifling
one, did it not indicate that the women of rank,
among the more ancient Hindoos, were not ex-
cluded from the public eye, and that this people
were acquainted with the trial by fire at an early
period of ti me. The same uses may be derived
from this story as are contained in the Arabian
Kights ; where, amidst the olio of talisman,
genii, and devils, we are enabled to extract just
rdations of the manners and disposi tions of the
people." . '"'V ' V,

As I have thus far entered on a subject which
has occasionally engaged my attentiGWi, 1 will
'piheeed 'a' little. fartheri,"'tod ■■ recite 'd- cireum-'
stance which may corroborate the position, that

FOESTEa’s TEATEM. ggj

Hindoo women of distinction, by ancient as
well as existing usage, were not debarred the
sight of men. When a female of the chittery,
or royal raw, was marriageable, or supposed to
poftsesh a discnminating choice, she was conduc-
ted to an ajiartmcnt where many youths of her
own tribe \u’re assembled ; and, being desired
to select trom them her futuie husband, she
distinpiisheci the object of her partiality by
tljrowiag over his neck a wreath of flowers*.

Ike Si. tlesuUovy opinions are freely given,
and I am to intreat you will as freely review
them receiving such as may stand on princi-
pies ot reason, and rejecting, without a scruple,
those that seem vague or fanciful.

1 am,

Pear Sir,

Yours, &c.

• H’hivctotom, I urn lufonncU, lias been observed within these
uie yews at I'anjwe.

KJt» OE VOL, 1.